Stories: A Bear's Life

Higgins #1, Tracey Chan, 2012

Thanks to photographer, Jose Martínez for allowing me to share a childhood story in April about my bear, Higgins (he was also featured in the Grumpy Bert exhibition). Jose's blog, ad astra per aspera features photographic essays, interviews and conversations. He asked me to share a story, so I did. I am very attached to warm furry things. This is actually a link, or a beginning to a Childhood project that has been brewing in my notebooks. I don't know how it will end up, but it will happen one day....maybe in another form.

Creative Habits: Rest

"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world." - Oscar Wilde

I need a break. I am going to Barbados for a bit of work (FreshMilk exhibition), but mostly to reconnect with myself, to hopefully ease my mind and reset my mind and spirit. I am way overdue. After last month's near breakdown and foray into self-hatred, I am reminded of my humanity. I started worrying about the most idiotic details and things that I did  not need to be worried about. I was in a total sneaky hate spiral. It's not like I didn't know where I was going, or what I was doing but I was just on edge and possibly hormonal, possibly maniacal. I hope to read, to go to the beach, and I really do not want to feel guilty. Really. 
Of course there is a part of me screaming, "lazy incompetent loser!!", but the nurturing part thinks that I seriously need not die from overwork.


The thought of not doing anything creative is gnawing at me but I need to stop - seriously. That's the hardest thing about creative living and independent working - stepping away from your business, your daily tasks and getting sleep or just unloading your mind. I've no doubt realised how harmful this is to my health, and to my peers. I know how to deal with these things but sometimes it gets overwhelming and I am paralysed by fear. It's a natural thing, but it's getting out of it that's key. Thank you creative support network for understanding, for your support and encouragement. See you guys in a week or so - and perhaps I shall have a tan and stop resembling a jar of mayo.

Collabs: Unmoored

I love receiving and sending snail mail and I love travel. Felisha's Unmoored: A Paper Boat Project allowed me to do something fun with the paper boats she sent me a little while ago. They are made from from European rail ticket stubs. The idea of travel, of movement, of liberation, and of displacement are infused in the project - I adore it. Thanks for sending me the wee boats all the way across the big pond Felisha! You can see my full set here and Felisha's collection here.

Exhibitions: A Negation of Preconceptions

Thanks to Natalie McGuire for curating what will be a brilliant show at FreshMilk: A Negation of Preconceptions, along with the Pictures from Paradise Barbados book launch. A million thanks to Matthew for being superb in assisting me with the transportation process. The show will open on 15th July. Hope to see you there folks! I will be in Barbados from the 12th - 18th July, so let's link up if you're there.

Collabs: GroundGlass Collective

Tracey Chan, 2010, Journey to Grand Etang
“turn up ‘e colors, swallow down the green, lighten the light blue, and darken the deep. liven up ‘eself and laugh…” Oonya Kempadoo, Tide Running

This year I started participating in Malaika Brooks-Lowe-Smith's project - GroundGlass Collective - an initiative that showcases series of themed photographic exhibitions on the website at regular intervals. The vision statement of the group as stated:

GroundGlass Collective is a gathering of Caribbean women photographers dedicated to creating a supportive environment for the growth of our individual approaches & ideas. We aim to inspire and challenge each other but also people across the region, by sharing our stories, critiques and new visions for the future.

This week's theme is based on a portion of text from Oonya Kempadoo's 'Tide Running'.  

Click through to see the whole exhibit

I don't think my photo can honestly live up to the imagery inside my head but the moments in which this photograph was taken was magical and full of good energy - much like the excerpt.

WOMA Catalogue 2012

Late late late. I've been doing so many things that the 4HrNap/WOMA project has become horribly neglected. We launched the catalogue last month. WOMA showed art from all over the Caribbean and got works from the US, Canada, and Europe - artists like Florine Demosthene from Haiti, Malaika Brooks-Smith-Lowe from Grenada and Olivia McGilchrist from Jamaica.
It's a great addition to your library or collection of Caribbean women artists' works. We're really happy about this year's show and there's much more in the making. It's selling for a limited price of $21.99 with proceeds going toward WOMA 2013. I do promise that more updates will be coming as regards WOMA an 4Hr Nap!

Projects: MonsterClonster

Welcome to a new project: MonsterClonster! My character designs, illustrations, stories, animation, and other projects will all now reside under this new brand. I have a few projects planned for this but it's a slow process. I can't wait though - I love these little critters and I am excited to have them evolve. I would really like this to happen during the next few months but it's still under major development. I have decided to separate this part of my work simply because it's so different from the rest of my work.

I will also be able to take commissions for bespoke monsters and critters. For example if you have an idea for a personalised monster or critter for your child and have a print or even a painting done, we can totally do that. These would be fabulous gifts for loved ones. Please e-mail me if you're interested in getting yourself or a loved one crittered up or character designed! 

feelings toward cool critters

Exhibitions: Roots & Wings Martinique

Thanks to Urbanflo and their many partners for making this show happen Martinique! The show was first opened in Barbados in March. A special thanks and lots of energy going out to Jenni who is amazing. I really wish I could be there this time. The show aims to head to New York next so let's hope it continues to happen for this great creative group.