Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

The upcoming THINK art exhibition at THINKARTWORKTT Studio is a fundraiser for artist Safiya Hoyte as she prepares to study at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The exhibition begins on June 22 at 7 pm and continues until July 8.

Hoyte said she has received a partial academic scholarship, which she will continue to receive yearly once her GPA is maintained. However, she needs to come up with the funds to cover the remaining tuition amount and housing costs, approximately US$56,932.

Hoyte is a semi-abstract artist whose life has been immersed in Art for as long as she can remember, due to her upbringing. She was raised in a single parent household, with her father, visual artist Fitzroy Hoyte, as her primary parent and mentor. She said “From as early as 4 years old I would be at my little table next to my father’s studio desk drawing trees, flowers or at least my own interpretation of these things. By sociological default, we assimilate characteristics, mannerisms and values of individuals, which then become a part of our own personalities. Art became one of the values which I held to an apex standard, not only because my father was a self-employed visual artist, but also due to the fact that at numerous points in my life it felt like art was the only thing stable in my life that I was actually good at. Art provided me with unexplainable amounts of psychological release and comfort. Art allowed me to see the world from a stimulating point of view.”

Hoyte said many people have attempted to dissuade her from being an artist, “mainly because of the fact that it is not viewed as a “stable, practical” means to support oneself. Despite these sentiments, art has always presented itself as a predestined path and within recent times it has transformed into itself into a hidden chromosome intricately rooted in the inner fragments of my DNA. I am adamant and refuse to not pursue my artistic dreams, regardless of the adverse circumstances perpetuated unto me by society. Call it foolish ambition if you will, but there is a driving force inside of me that is hell-bent on showing the world what I have to offer through my art. People continuously underestimate artists and the impact which art contributes to our society.”

The studio where the exhibition will be held is run by Hoyte’s father, Fitzroy Hoyte, and will feature their work along with guest artists such as Beverly Fitzwilliam Harris, Brianna McCarthy, Sundiata, Jackie Hinkson, and Ray Traboulay, with Leroy Clarke as the patron artist. There will be an artist’s talk on June 27 at 7 pm. Hoyte said “Think is an artistic showcase inspired by thoughts manifested by our surroundings, experiences, and lives. It is literal in its mean yet multifaceted in purpose. It allows viewers a first-hand glimpse into the mind of the artist via a series of thematic concerns and striking images that compliment them.”

Fitzroy Hoyte said “Safiya chose SCAD in particular due to its close-knit yet diverse community, established professors and well structured, interactive art-intensive based programmes. SCAD for Safiya seemed to align best with her goals of developing her artistic repertoire and eventually becoming a certified visual artist. She also has taken the necessary initiative in applying to other regional based colleges which the funds would be used towards if we are unable to raise the balance of her SCAD Tuition. But we are doing our best to still attempt to send her first choice and dream school.”

Hoyte said obtaining a Fine Arts degree at a prestige and diverse institution like SCAD will give her “the necessary tools to be recognized as a visual artist globally, and simultaneously help me make connections with individuals which will in turn allow me to sustain myself off of my passion, which is solely derived from the production of art. It would be a dream come true for me as an upcoming Trinidadian female artist to have the privilege of attending the institution of my dreams, SCAD, and even more, to be one of the first members of my family to receive a college diploma. I am optimistic that with assistance and the Creator’s guidance I will be able to achieve this lifelong dream of mine.”

The price range of the artwork being exhibited falls between $300 – $150,000 overall. The starting price for Hoyte’s work is $300. The campaign’s GoFundMe Link can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/sendsafiya. For more information, or to schedule a private viewing, call 769, email thinkartworktt@gmail.com and visit http://www.thinkartworktt.com.