Alvin & Milo

To see all of Alvin's Artwork to date. Click on Art Page 1, then 2&3 in upper left hand side of this page. There are 3 pages of Paintings to look at. Some paintings are completed and some are still ongoing.

All paintings are For Sale.

If you are interested in a completed or soon to be completed painting, please contact us at the following information.

Contact Information:

Phone:1 (868)353-6045 in Trinidad & Tobago or call his wife Angela Beth-Bass in USA /Maine @1 (207)860-0294

Email: epixdesigns@yahoo.com

First I need to say a few words about my wife:

I want to thank my wife Angela of 7 years for her inspirational advice and her ability to make things come to life with her laughter, stories her kind giving heart and her belief and love for me. I am trying right now to move through the process of immigration so I can be with her in the US. I Love you "G".

About the Artist:

A self taught Artist, born and lives with his American wife Angela in San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago.My ability to paint was derived from my life experiences and power of observation.I spent most of my life in the shadows of the Arts, a practicing Artist for more than 20 years, working as an illustrator, designer, Commercial Artist, graphic designer and a professional musician. Most of my major works were done under a Corporate and Advertising umbrella. Within the last 7 years I made a decision to pursue a deeper expression. A college graduate with some formal training in the Visual Arts.

A few of Alvin's significant projects:

1.)The Controversial Carifesta larger than life Portraits featuring Patrick Manning, Ken Philmore, Peter Minshall and David Rudder – 1992
2.)Commercial Portrait of Aldwyn Roberts ( Lord Kitchener) Commissioned by Spectacular Promotions – 1995
3.)The larger than life Religious portrait of the visiting Hindu Swami – Commissioned by the Maha Sabha of Trinidad and Tobago – 1995
4.)A Portrait of M.C.Hammer – foreign Artist- Rap Star- Commissioned by Spectacular Promotions – 1995
5.)A Commercial Portrait of Winston Spree Simon- Pan innovator- Courtesy Carib Brewery LTD- 1998
He can be easily described as the best 'Known-Unknown' Artist of his time.

His philosophy:

For every Artist that dares to be unconventional in his approach and conquest of ancient fortresses, does so knowingly challenging the consequences of his innovations. As it is the nature and hallmark of all Artists who are true to their convictions, they demonstrate a faith, bravery and a selflessness that no other creature can possess, but as a reward for his sacrifice and perseverance, he experiences, creates and inherit a monument that is like unto the glorious nature of God. Artists are windows...that is all we are, we are blessed with the keys to light and the ability to manipulate the elements, employing those devices which were ultimately conceived by a Godly mind. We know the craft to move the elements to convey powerful wisdom and insight.

Comments:

Today a wonderful thing happened, an acquaintance of mine who is a Student of the Arts at UWI paid me a visit and gave her feedback on the piece “Papabois', These are her comments...”How come Mr.Clarke is “Papabois'?” She continues...”He may not appreciate the satire”...”dey go criticize it”... She continues..” the red in the piece called 'Centre of The Universe' is looking to African.” So I lamented and asked a very stupid question. I said...”Is the red in “Wind Song” Indian red?” I continued...”How can you tell the difference? As my inquisitive mind poked. Her reply was...and I quote..”Everybody is doing African Art.” unquote.. It is amazing , as an Art student herself, how she can create a distinction that is superficially prejudicial without firstly considering the creative virtues that governs the choice of colour compliments, or that these compliments were selected deliberately to create dramatic contrasts. She made no inquiry about the style, the concept or the intent of the pieces.

Analysis:

1.)The piece or pieces stirred enough euphoria to substantiate it.

2.)That my selected elements, method and style of composition is effective.

3.)That in deep expression there is an uncompromising resolve that becomes stronger if you accept criticism well, this resolve will distinguish your style and the merit of it.

My acquaintance tried and failed to hide herself in the ignorance of her own misconception. As a result I have , now, a solid sense of the direction and type of images I would like to generate and the power and possibilities of them. Wisdom can expose truth and enlighten, it can also deflect, confuse and extinguish it in darkness, distortion and confusion. After all, it takes an understanding of truth to disguise it.

The choice of an Artist is to enlighten and expose truths. The very nature of our craft brands us idealists. Can someone really quantify honour? These are the notions I tried to reflect in 'Papabois'.

a.) The Nobility of the man.
b.) His “Africaness”.
c.) His relationship and love for nature and colour.
d.) Though an imposing and intimidating man....the warmth of his manliness.
e.) His connection with his Culture and Origin.
f.) His sense of Conviction, Pride and Authority.

These are the messages I hoped would be reflected in this piece.Not knowing the man myself, all of this was extracted from the strength and depth of his expression.
My attempts to draw a parallel between the folkloric character and a man of great, and exceptional Artistic esteem was achieved.

About the Pieces:

All of the pieces shown in this gallery represents studies, experimentation with themes and mediums. It also indicates the possible range and scope of this Artist.
'Papabois' Guardian of The Forest being a hallmark piece underscores the beginning of this new direction.

My hope is to uncover a genre that is practical , complimentary, modern, truthful powerful and beautiful, a tall order by any standard.

By documenting and exposing the growth of the pieces, as well as my own visual adventure, I am hopeful it may generate interest and reflect the moods and perceptions of collectors and laymen alike.

People here in Trinidad know me because I also am a professional Musician, I have played for many calypso artists. I play guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, conga drum, steel pan, and large bass guitar.

Alvin Bass

2012