 |
 |
 |
SPOTLIGHT carriacouregatta.com |
CANUTE CALLISTEIt is usually a gracious and embracing moment to meet and greet the famous Canute Calliste popularly known as C.C. He was born in the Village of L'Esterre, in the year 1914, a multi-talented individual (Painter, Musician, shipwright, fisherman, Farmer.) He was educated at the Harvey-vale Government primary School. When asked about his formal education his response is “I didn't have much schooling. I learned to read at home. I pick sense out of non-sense.” Canute Calliste is a ‘Phonics master' One seldom has a problem reading what he intends to write. the Painter:Canute convincingly attributes his ability to paint as a gift from “The Mermaid” he met at Tyrell Bay in Harvey-vale. This is the story he told the author. “”I left L'Esterre junction at about 9 O'clock and walked to Tyrell Bay. When I reach I see she under the bridge combing she long hair. I attempt to run and covered me face with me hands but the Mermaid say “Don't run boy and don't cross you hand. Now as you see me boy you will be gifted, you will do many things with you hands then she go back into the sea and she disappear.” He told the same story to his peers when it happened. A few nights later she spoke to him in a dream. He was nine years old. As a young man he drew by observing and imitating other painters. He used oil paint on bits of cardboard. HE painted what he saw – Birds and Fishes, Boats and aspects of farming, Sports events and of course Mermaids which he visualized. Those first exhibits he donated to Family members and friends, happy to share his gift wit others. Today his paintings in watercolour reflect traditional cultural art forms of African nation Dances, Boat Building, Sea-faring, Tombstone feasts, Maroons, traditional Weddings, Political issues, predominantly mermaids. Canute sees his creativity as a gift and is greatly inspired when his produce is disposed as a gift and not particularly items for sale. He has traveled to countries where his primitive art exhibited in Galleries and museums in Germany, the USA, and the United Kingdom; in 1988 his work was showcased at Barbados National Museum. There, one hundred of his paintings were displayed. He considers this achievement as one of the highlights of his career. the Musician:Canute Calliste is a renowned violinist. For decades he has been the main inspiration for the preservation and continuity of the English/French Quadrille dances for which the Island of Carriacou is famous. In 1965, when Carriacou Regatta was formerly launched, C.C made his first public presentation at an annual event. There at City hall he entertained a large audience with his Quadrille Dance Group. the Boat-builder, Fisherman, and Farmer.Not only was he a painter and musician but he was also a boat builder. Having lived in a fishing village, he built boats for seine fishing. He also built for the Carriacou Regatta. He used wild-pine and spruce for timber. He worked the timbers on the ground with a mould. Each seine boat took fifteen days to complete. He was also a fisherman who went fishing alone or with friends. His regular fishing locations were Mabouya, Fiji, Sandy Island and Isle de Large. He was also a diver. HE caught lobsters and conch (Lambi). In earlier years he was a farmer. He, with his extensive family members worked nine lots of land to provide food for himself, and his family (including his twenty three (23) Children). He always exhibits his pride in having so many children. He boasts about the effects of his sweet violin music. The Woman, he said became fascinated. They folded sweets in their handkerchiefs and wrapped it around his head to show their appreciation. Because of his contribution as a multi talented artist, he was awarded several trips for international recognition. He visited the United States of America and England as a celebrity together with famous Big Drum Dance artist like Ferguson ‘Sugar' Adams and Lucian Duncan. HE was invited to visit England for a performance with members of the L'Esterre Quadrille dance Group. C.C, a legend, now age 89 was often visited by tourist at his modest art gallery in L'Esterre or at the Museum where he entertained them with his sweet Violin music. He explained some of his work on display along with those of his grand sons Junior and Carlos. He was available to be interviewed by visitors (Including overseas Students) about his paintings and music. There at the Museum he demonstrates his talent but was not always enthusiastic about painting since the joy of sharing is lost because of the need to bargain for prices. We may forget, but C.C remembers, that his skill in art (Painting) and music was a priceless gift from the Mermaid. His main focus is on cultural Expressions using those gifted hands. In 2004, Canute Calliste was recognized by the Carriacou Regatta Committee for his contribution to the Festival. Reproduced from: |
