Environmental preservation at heart of new art class

By Lindsey Turnbull

Multi-talented artist Yonier Powery’s upcoming ceramics class at the National Gallery is already fully booked, a testament to the artist’s talent and people’s appetite to be inspired by him.  

Yonier said he grew up being exposed to ceramics, so it literally helped him to shape his artistic career.

“It brings a sense of reward and satisfaction to me knowing that I can mould something that comes from the ground into something that will bring happiness to others and communicate my feelings through my work,” he said.

Clay, he said, is a very technical medium to use as it requires perfect balance in order for the clay to have proper strength and stability for firing. One mistake can cost you the entire piece, he warned.

On the positive side, you can use detail in the sculpting and have freedom to explore your creativity.

Yonier was born on the Isle of Youth in Cuba, and he studied fine art in his home country which enabled him to master a multitude of artistic disciplines, particularly when it comes to the tricky medium of ceramics. He moved to Cayman in 2010 to be with family and ever since has been producing incredibly detailed artwork that embraces his close connections with Cayman and Cuba and, in particular, the sea that binds both together. Maritime culture, particularly with a historical reference, is therefore dominant in his work.

The focus of the upcoming ceramics class is the turtle, a theme that is embedded in much of Yonier’s work. 

“I want the class to become more aware of environmental preservation while using a well-known symbol (the turtle) of Caymanian history,” he said.

The National Gallery’s ceramics class will be in three parts, during which time participants will be able to create a Green Sea Turtle from clay, while exploring hand building and glazing techniques, texture, shape, and colour.  The class is open to all who want to explore ceramics or fine tune skills.

“I love to share my knowledge to help others develop their own technique or passion,” Yonier explained. “I want people to discover the joys and skill of working with ceramics.”

He added that it was always good to share what you know with others.

“I still learn new things as well. More seasoned artists took time to teach me and so I want to share and give back to others too. This is how I feel I deserve what I know,” he said.

As an artist, Yonier said he was exploring some new ideas and techniques while keeping the environment centered theme.

Yonier said he saw a growing interest in ceramics on the island, and they would be keeping up with the momentum. If you want to be on the waitlist for further classes, call the National Gallery on 945 8111.