Overseas-based Guyanese artist Enid Deserie Lorrimer relives her Guyanese experiences through her art
Although artist Enid Deserie Lorrimer migrated to Canada many years ago, memories of growing up in Linden, along the Demerara River, burns brightly in her mind; through her art, she gets to relive those wonderful moments.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Lorrimer recalled that art was a subject offered to her at the G.C.E ‘O’ level examinations. Sporadically, after completing high school, Lorrimer recollected attempting to contribute to the world of acrylic painting and drawing. After 1995, she valiantly decided to showcase her artistic talents.
“My visual art interests include acrylic painting, drawing and creation of computer graphics – short digital presentations including music for educational or artistic use. My inspiration comes from several sources: nature, music, curiosity, some incidents, experts, teachers and peers. At high school in Linden, the great Guyanese artist Bernadette Indira Persaud was in the same class with me. So I had a lot of artistic influence while growing up,” she noted.
The artist pointed out that she especially enjoys the creative process while painting because she believes it connects, motivates, evokes images, allows viewers to have different perspectives and allows her to express herself in a creative way without the inhibitions and limitations of language.
Fond of landscapes since growing up in a place that is notable for its scenery, Lorrimer revealed that she especially likes to paint scenes with water. She also paints abstracts and still life. Her favourite is using acrylic on canvas because for her it is so easy to correct mistakes in this medium. Lorrimer has also produced fabric painting designs on dresses, T-shirts, household linens such as kitchen towels, and much more. Additionally, she enjoys crochet, scrapbooking, embroidery, cross-stitch and sewing.
“The scene from the Wismar boat landing is my favourite,” Lorrimer stated, describing her most favourite piece, “It triggers strong memories associated with the crossing of the Demerara River in my hometown. The use of this type of ferry was at one time the main method of public transportation from Mackenzie to Wismar/Christianburg. Later on, a bridge was built to help take care of the traffic.”
In March 2007, Lorrimer grasped the opportunity to exhibit some of her craft at one of Canada’s most important venues for contemporary art- Art Gallery of Alberta. There she participated in an exhibition which celebrated the creative vitality of the community of Edmonton, Canada. Invitations, she disclosed, were issued, whether to professionals, amateurs, emerging or “Sunday artists”.
She suggests that young artists should “seize the day, follow your passion, believe in yourself, work hard without letup and be innovative,” and plans to work harder to increase her contributions to the art world.
For more information on the artist’s work email her at desel1@telus.net (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
