After years of experience in a number of capacities in the art sector, sculptor Stephen McKenzie finally found his niche.
Stephen, a former visual arts professor at E R Burrowes School of Art, and School of the Nations, has taught for almost 28 years. A Burrowes graduate, he majored in ceramics with a minor in painting before going on to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Guyana.
During his years as a teacher, Stephen also worked as an artist. Seven years ago, when he was approached by a colleague’s husband from Trinidad to create a wooden sign for his trucking business, he did not realise that taking up such an assignment would take him down a different path in his journey as an artist.
“He was pleased with the work I did, and he told me this is something I can develop. I decided to give it a try and it took off from there,” he recalled.
Stephen grew up in Calcutta, Mahaicony where he attended Calcutta Primary and Mahaicony Secondary schools. Life as an artist/art professor was something he had ever dreamed of.
Sharing on how it came to be, Stephen recalled sitting his examinations a second time with a friend as according to the school’s rule, they were required to pass three subjects. They had plans to rewrite Mathematics and English and were hoping their third subject would be Home Economics, but when they arrived to register for the class, they were told it was full and they needed to find another subject. The Visual Arts class had room.
Together they wrote the Mathematics and English exams set by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the Cambridge Visual Arts exam. Following completion of his secondary education, Stephen travelled to Georgetown where he attended Burrowes School of Art.
While there he met a student, who was a Guyanese teaching in Botswana. The man, he said, was skilled in sculpting and he passed on some of these skills to Stephen who shared some of his ceramic skills in return, before his friend returned to teach art in Botswana.
After leaving Burrowes, Stephen worked at Black Jewel Ceramic Company and also plied his trade as a potter in Grenada.
Stephen is now one of the artists on Main Street. Currently, he and Winslow Craig, who is one of his local inspirations, are working on a project for the High Court.
Stephen also served as an apprentice for the legendary Philip Moore, who was the resident artist while he was at Burrowes. He recalled that he and other students would look on while Moore worked on his pieces. He also helped with breaking down the wood Moore turned into masterpieces.
“The experience has been a good one. It pays the bills and I am able to save from it. I am very grateful to all those persons who have been supportive to me so far. I don’t regret taking up wood instead of ceramics. With ceramics you have to compete with the Chinese who bring in the cheap stuff,” said Stephen.
Wood sculpting, the artist pointed out, is an easier discipline when it comes to attracting customers. Even so, it has its challenges.
He acquires most of his wood from the lumber yards and also gets samaan wood whenever a samaan tree falls. Initially, he had an issue getting tools, but was able to source some locally and got the rest from abroad.
While many of his clients are locals, Stephen shared that often he and other artists depend on tourists but noted there are not enough attractions for tourists, and he hopes that this changes.
“I would like to see artists being given what they are due. I would also like to see more purchases by the Castellani House. I would like a public space… I heard there will be a public space for the Main Street artists at Lamaha and would like to see this materialise. We need a major art festival where the [Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports] collaborates with the Ministry of Tourism to promote the local art. These are some of the ideas shared in the conversations among the Main Street artists. Our peers in other Caribbean countries are benefiting from such; they are way ahead of us,” shared Stephen.
Many of the artist’s works grace the homes of some prominent people and businesses in Guyana. One of his most memorable experiences, Stephen recalled, was during an exhibition following his time at Burrowes School of Art when the late president Desmond Hoyte praised his work and bought several of his pieces.
At the 2018 Visual Arts Competition, Stephen’s Adam and Eve mahogany sculptures caught
the eyes of the judges resulting in him being awarded first place. The sculptures are currently at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House.
Among the other competitions he entered was one for the National Trust logo, which he won. The artist also created the logo for the Caribbean Tertiary Institution through the University of Guyana as well as the logo in commemoration of Walter Rodney’s 25th death anniversary.
Now 54 years old, when Stephen is not operating his ‘Wooden Words’ business, he spends time gardening and hanging out with family. His wife is also an artist and specialises in crocheting.
He also enjoys watching documentaries, National Geographic and movies featuring Denzel Washington.
For one of his pieces, Stephen can be reached at 629-2385.
