The Gallery is opened 24/7, no lines, no waiting. You can get up close and personal, or sit, relax and view the work. Digital reproductions of drawings, paintings, photography, and or sculptures by the artist are on exhibit. Welcome.
As a youngster, Lionel always excelled in art. He was fascinated by the scenic paintings and drawings by local Barbadian artist. Viewing paintings by the European masters was also a delight, but African art and symbolism was closet to his soul. Bright colors, contrast, symbolism and social statements would begin to dominate his work.
While living in Barbados, a friend of his sister, showed him how to draw cartoon faces. He developed his skills and began doing portraits which today, includes the Portraits of The late Prime Minister Tom Adams and his father Sir Grantley Adams, and The late Prime Minister Errol Barrow of Barbados, which are on permanent display at the Public library in St. Michael, Barbados.
As a teenager Lionel moved to Hartford, Connecticut with his family and there he entered and won the Community Renewal Team Youth Art Renaissance four years straight. His work was included in shows at the Joseloff Gallery at the University of Hartford and The Craftery Gallery, where he had the opportunity to exhibit with internationally known artist, Nelson Stevens, Reginald Jackson, Benny Andrews and Ed Towles. He has also exhibited in shows which included works by well known artists Stan Cromwell and Carlos Hernandez Chavez. According to Lionel, it was his family along with Jonathan Bruce, who was the Director for the Craftery Gallery at the time, who believed in his work and talent and encouraged him to keep working.
Lionel has also designed cover art and logos for businesses in the Hartford area including Bajan Records, Sounds of Connecticut Records, Barbados American Society of Hartford, The West Indian Social Club, Bi-Sarge Publishing, and exotic Blooms.
Art is not just a reflection of who I am, but a perception of the world through my life. As an artist, I create art for myself and the world at large, in the same way a builder has the urge to build, and a doctor has the urge to help the sick. We all contribute our part to society, whether it be Artist, Laborer or philosopher. I have a lot to say, but sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words so no matter how much I am side tracked by day to day living, as a visual being, I still try to create art that conveys emotion. I believe that the desire to create Art is a part of my genetic code.
