“I did a portrait of my late grandad which is my favourite; he used to like to tell stories. When I finish art school, I want to create a series of paintings detailing these stories,” said Bevan Allicock, a portrait artist and art student.
For Bevan, art is more than capturing someone’s features or emotions, it is part of history.
Nineteen-year-old Bevan hails from Surama, in Region Nine. Aside from common blood, he and his family also share an artistic talent. He is the son of Marcella, a designer and Bertrand Allicock, an architect (also a mechanic). In addition, all of Bevan’s seven siblings are artistic. If the name Allicock sounds familiar, it is because he is the cousin of popular designer Vanda Allicock.
Bevan said art had always been a hobby for him, he never thought of it seriously. All through his schooling, he hoped to become a mechanic like his father. He drew inspiration from both his parents’ artistic skills and the beauty that surrounds him: the savannahs, the forest, and the mountains.
“I have noticed, other students like myself who have arrived at the art school from the interior, their first pieces depict nature; mine did also. We subconsciously do it,” he explained.
Having drawn all his life, it is impossible for Bevan to recall what exactly was his first piece. However, as regards his first outstanding piece, he remembers it as clear as day. His father had arrived home tired from work and gone to sleep. Quietly, Bevan’s mother went to him encouraging him to draw his father while he slept. “This is one of my most beloved pieces. My father was blown away when he woke up and saw it,” reminisced Bevan.
However as much as he loves this particular drawing, nothing matches the piece he did featuring his grandfather last year. His grandfather was Robert Frederick Allicock of Mackenzie, Linden who along with his late brother, Theo Allicock moved to Region Nine where they founded Surama Village more than half a century ago. His grandfather, Bevan said, was always good company and full of humour. He could be angry when he headed over to his grandfather, but his anger would eventually dissolve. More than anything, Bevan always looked forward to his stories about his arrival to Surama; of life experiences, some near death experiences; and also of his adventures on the river. A few times he had gone along with him on these trips along the river. After he passed on, Bevan did a drawing of his grandfather which he has since framed as a present for his grandmother. However, the drawing is only part of a present to his grandmother as he wishes to give her a self-portrait as well.
When he completes art school, Bevan hopes to create more pieces detailing his grandfather’s many stories, which he hopes to display in his future art studio.
At present, Bevan and a brother of his are students of E R Burrowes School of Art. The school provides theory lessons online while some practical work is done at the school. However, for students like Bevan’s brother, practical work is done at home. Currently, the artist is in the city. Bevan explained that to obtain a diploma in art from Burrowes, they are required to attend four years of school or one could also do a certificate in art which requires three years of learning. Bevan is pursuing the certificate as he did not possess at the time of his admission the required grade for his CSEC English. Not wanting to settle for less and wishing to read for a diploma, he re-sat the English examination this year and is awaiting his results before returning to Surama.
Once he returns home, the teen has plans to help the children in Surama. He shared that he noticed that some children are not as occupied as they should be in regard to school. They used to come around while he was drawing or painting and look on in awe. Bevan cannot be certain if they are caught up with their lessons since it has been months since he has been back, but he intends, once he returns to his village, to teach them some basic art techniques.
There are many with artistic skills in Surama, Bevan said. He noticed that before the pandemic, when tourists often visited the Surama Eco Lodge, they always looked for culture and art. It would be good if a gallery could be set up where tourists could view of a variety of art belonging to the people of Surama. Guyana, he added, could benefit from more galleries which would be a boost for the tourism sector.
The local art scene entirely welcomes development not only in the resources as regards more art institutions but to be appreciated by their own Guyanese, he said. Art is often used as a medium for social issues, he noted, but not always respected for the impact it makes on society.
Bevan loves being an artist. For him artists view the world from a different perspective. “We tend to notice all the details which we try to capture in our work for other people to notice,” said the teen.
Whenever he is in the city, Bevan’s favourite place to work is at the National Park. It is convenient also being situated next to Burrowes. The park, he said, creates that scenic and relaxing space he needs whenever caught up on one of his pieces.
Bevan sources his canvases somewhere along Regent Street, wood for frames from a lumberyard, and his paint, and paintbrushes from either Family Store or Pinch Expressions. He noted that materials are expensive, and one time when he was almost broke, he was in need of his materials. Unsure whether the piece when he was done with it would interest a buyer, he knew it was a risk, but it was worth a try. Bevan decided to purchase all he needed. Turns out, he made a sale on the piece.
So far, the artist has sold an average of 25 drawings and paintings to clients residing in Georgetown, Lethem, and one as far away as Norway.
In his free time, the artist spends his time doodling, sketching, or daydreaming of more art.
His favourite dish to have is tenderized meat with stewed bora and a cup of local juice.
Bevan can be followed on Instagram @bevarts58 or on Facebook at Bevan Allicock.
