Quilter in St Croix

The Art Show 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 17:05:00 +0000

The newly created Artists Guild of St. Croix is hosting their first juried show at Canegata Ball Park Recreation Building from Friday, January 17 to Sunday, January 19. I will be one of the exhibiting artists . If you are on island, I hope that you can come out and check it out!

The Christiansted Bypass

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Tue, 28 May 2013 14:58:00 +0000

They began discussing it as a project back in the 1970’s, so it came as a surprise to St. Croix residents when actual construction began in 2007. And then it was even more surprising when work was completed and the Christiansted bypass opened in January of this year.

click on any photo to enlarge.

It cost US$37 million to carve out a 1.2-mile strip through a rocky hill on the outskirts of town.

Why was this project so significant that it wouldn’t die despite its exorbitant cost? Because all traffic going to the eastern half of the island had no choice but to funnel through the narrow streets of downtown Christiansted. It was a pain; it could take you an extra 5 to 10 minutes to get through!

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/30340475

Now we can reach the East End in first-world highway splendor.

And there’s a lookout point to boot!

SMAC (Sun Moon Alignment Celebration)

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:25:00 +0000

A while ago, my very smart husband, Bob, figured out that during the full moon, the sun sets and the moon rises within minutes of each other. And since St. Croix is the perfect spot to watch such a phenomenon, we turned it into a celebration.

And since Bob is an AGKG (Acronym Generating Kinda Guy), he named it SMAC (Sun Moon Alignment Celebration).

So, every once in a full moon, we head out to a suitable hill with 180-degree views, and we bring cocktails and appetizers in tow (bubbly always preferred).

And celebrate the majesty of the sun setting over the Maroon hills in the west

And a little while later, the full moon rising over Buck Island in the east.

Happy Fish

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Sun, 12 May 2013 14:34:00 +0000

I’ve been swimming in fish.

Happy fish I made of fabric and beads and sequins.

They bring a message

And an invitation

These happy fish are available for sale at Kulcha Shop, 1A Market Street, in Frederiksted, St. Croix.

The Real Annaly Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:10:00 +0000

I discovered recently that the tide pools I visited back in 2008 (see this post) were not in Annaly Bay but in nearby Wills Bay. (click on photo to enlarge)

I, and others I’ve spoken with, had been under the impression that the Trumbull Trail which begins behind the Carambola Resort, led to Annaly Bay, because when people mention “the tide pools” there is the automatic assumption that tide pools means Annaly Bay. In fact, I learned that there are a number of tide pools along the northwest corner of St. Croix, with Annaly Bay being the best known. Since learning about my misconception, I’ve been eager to go see the real Annaly Bay, and when the St. Croix Hiking Association led a hike last month to Annaly Bay, I jumped on the opportunity to go.

We met Olasee Davis, our guide, in Frederiksted and car pooled in pickup trucks up to the top of the ridge overlooking Annaly Bay. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is a must for those who come by car.

From the top of this ridge at about 700 feet above sea level, we hiked down a steep dirt road into the bay. This hike is relatively short but the return uphill is strenuous!

Arriving at Annaly Bay we see St. Croix’s north Shore to the East

And the Maroons and Ham’s Bluff to the West.

Hiking around the rocky shoreline is a must to get to the tide pools.

A dip in the natural tide pools makes the effort worthwhile.

Under rough seas, these tide pools have proved treacherous for swimmers.

We had calm waters

And spectacular views.

Highlights of the Season - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 19:03:00 +0000

The Agricultural Fair

The event has been renamed The VI AGRIFEST, which sounds like something else entirely...

Dancers demonstrating the traditional Quelbe Dance of St. Croix

Lots of cute baby animals to see!

The St Croix Orchid Society Show

A stunning array of orchids were on display

Lots of variety

And lots of ribbons

St Patrick's Day Parade

Everyone gets in the spirit wearing every shade of green

Water gun fights were welcome in the hot sun

Kurt Schindler rocked the Christiansted boardwalk playing from his barge

Live Music

Seven Handle Circus brought us “bad-ass bluegrass” straight from Georgia

Highlights of the Season – Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:33:00 +0000

Here on St. Croix, the middle of April marks the end of the tourist high season. It means that hotel rates drop and there is a slowing down of events, most of which are scheduled into this period between mid-December and mid-April, when the island swells in population with tourists and snowbirds.

For those of us who live here, high season means a plethora of special activities to lure us out of the house. There are plays, touring bands, annual exhibitions, fundraisers, galas, a carnival and plenty of parades. Having the luxury to pick and choose from so many activities is one of the things that I love about St. Croix. This past season I mostly chose to stay home, but somehow I still managed to enjoy quite of bit of island spirit. Here are some of the highlights. You can click on any photo to enlarge.

The Boat Parade

Seaborne Planes flying in formation before the parade. Note the pontoons on the first two planes.

This boat had its own live band on board.

This boat celebrated 60 years of Christmas Carnival on St. Croix.

Seastock

A fundraiser for the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA)

Two of the costume contest winners: a hippie and a protester.

She won a painting of Jimmy Hendrix rocking on a sea shell.

Reliving the old hippy days.

The Dog Parade

Hollywood was the theme, here are the Ziegfeld Follies:

My Fave: Hitchkock and the Birds! (note the cigar on his armchair)

King Kong

Most adorable: the entire cast of the Wizard of Oz

And Eeyore the donkey as a hot dog! (note the condiment necklace)

Live Music

Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers came to sing pirate ditties.

The Little Owl

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:51:00 +0000

I wanted to create something meaningful for my niece Sara on her birthday. I wanted it to bring her joy upon receiving it, and to bring me joy while making it. Sara loves owls, as do I. And so it was fitting that a little owl would emerge from the woods, looking in awe at the moon, and dreaming of all that could be.

Lance Armstrong and St. Croix’s Ironman 70.3

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Every year St. Croix enthusiastically embraces the Ironman Triathlon that brings to the island world-class athletes from around the world. For us the excitement starts the week before, when there’s an island-wide roadside litter cleanup in preparation for the race. We gathered a crew of neighbors and set to work on a stretch of road along the north shore of the island.

On the morning of the race we come down to our stretch of road early, in order to cheer the athletes as they roll by mile 14 of the 56-mile bike course. Here come the first two!

Andy Potts came by leading the charge. His lead shifted throughout the race, but he still came through as the winner!

This year we had the added excitement of Lance Armstrong at the race, who finished in 3^rd place.
And here he comes….and…. goes!

It was hard to tell the girls apart, but we did spot Angela Naeth, the winner in the women’s race.

And we caught sight of fellow Colombian Andres Castillo, who came in 9^th in the men’s race.

Here’s Potts at the finish line.

Photo:www.IronmanLIVE.com

And Here’s Naeth.

Photo:stcroixsource.com

For cool photos and details of the race, go to www.IronmanLIVE.com.

Eastern Deserts and Western Forests

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:57:00 +0000

On the way to Point Udall, a roadside cactus shows the desert-like landscape of the east end of the island. The west end gets the bulk of the rain, creating a lush tropical rain forest landscape across the hills above Davis Bay and the Carambola Beach Resort.

Hovensa: Beginning to Say Good Bye

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:38:00 +0000

Within the next couple of months life on St. Croix will change. Hovensa, the oil refinery, will close its doors for good. Hovensa’s presence over the past 40 years has helped shape life on the island in ways large and small. By employing a couple of thousand people, Hovensa has been a major employer on island. It has been a generous sponsor of scholarships, charitable and civic organizations, and public events. Fuel prices on island have been slightly less expensive, and many restaurants, hotels and other commercial enterprises rely on business from Hovensa to stay afloat.

Photo: www.virginislandsnewsonline.com

So when April comes around and the doors close, there is no telling what the overall effect on the island will be. For now, employees and contractors are forced to look off-island for new jobs.

Photo: www.designworldonline.com

Our dear friend is one such person. His industriousness and proactive attitude landed him a great job very quickly. And so this past weekend we gathered together for a wonderful dinner to say congratulations. A champagne toast to wish him well.

We found local lobster straight from the fishermen.

And paired it with steaks on the grill.

Lots of red wine and good conversation.

And then a bonfire and the hope that our friend will come back home real soon.

Explorations in Mixed Media at Good Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:47:00 +0000

Lest you think that all I do is attend the many festivities around the island, I have been spending a fair amount of time in the studio continuing my adventures in mixed media.

For the 25^th Annual Caribbean Fine Art Exhibit at Good Hope School this year I composed a visual Lullaby to the Sea. A love poem with sunrises

Stormy seas

Brilliant Sunsets

And mysterious moons.

The artist reception is tonight, Friday, February 17, 2012 at 7 p.m. in The Good Hope School’s Campus Center. The exhibit is open Saturday and Sunday, February 18-19, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Monday, February 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is complimentary throughout the weekend.

Mardi Croix: Caribbean Country

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:49:00 +0000

This year’s Mardi Croix parade was Caribbean Country. There were cowgirls in chaps

And cowgirls on bikes.

There was a mystery posse

That was a posse of seahorses!

There was a little moonshine.

A dancing centepiede.

And hoola girls.

The Gentlemen of Jones had a mobile bar.

There were lots of beads to be collected.

Even the divers got beaded.

And sparkly girls under umbrellas.

A cute snake getting all the attention.

And even a little Brazilian Capoeira on the sand.

Seastock: Partying like it’s 1969!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:13:00 +0000

The spirit of Woodstock was alive and well this past weekend here on St. Croix thanks to a fundraiser benefitting the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA).

Recycle Cups were handed out with the entrance fee.

Tie dyes were de rigueur!

Flower Power!

Peace!

John Lennon made an appearance.

Awards were given to the best dressed couple

and best dressed male and female

The band Prodigy Block kept us rocking out to The Stones, Hendrix and Led Zep!

And the groupies danced and sang along all night long!

Singing the Blues in Frederiksted

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:03:00 +0000

The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise made its annual stop in St Croix yesterday.

The town of Frederiksted enjoyed a day of blues with pub crawls, blues in the schools, a street festival and a concert at the pier.

I missed some of the acts, but got there in time for sunset.

Shemekia Copeland. The girl can belt them out!

The mocko jumbies strolled through the crowd.

The cruise ship looked oh so pretty all lit up.

The Lowrider Band sang "Low Rider" and "Why Can’t We Be Friends?" from their War days.

It was a happy crowd and when the rain came, the dancing just couldn’t be stopped.

Gaya Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:16:00 +0000

I wanted to play with color.

And rich textures.

A celebration of nature.

Happy tassels.

My Gaya Wrap.

I could wear it myself.

But her heart belonged to Gaya.

And she was happiest with the trees.

Happy Earth Day!

In Search of a Point Udall Moonrise

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:53:00 +0000

We drove east to the end of the road. There’s a lookout point here and a monument stating that this is the easternmost point of the United States. We came here to see the moon rise over the ocean.

But there were clouds and haze to contend with.

Behind us, though, a brilliant sunset was raging.

It made the monument look like a druid sacred site.

Three frigatebirds kept us company.

And despite the hidden moon, we enjoyed a glass of bubbly.

And a toast to the glorious beauty surrounding us.

Prayer Flag for Clarity

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Spring is almost here, and although I live on a tropical island, I am still affected by the energy of spring.

This is the time when I look around me and want to clear the dust off everything that sat unnoticed for a while.

I want things to have a new shine, I’m craving brightness and light.

And in my art I’m craving clarity.

A new direction, unexplored territory.

Here is my prayer flag for Clarity to help usher in a new season of light.
You can click on the photo for a larger view.

This prayer flag was part of my Artful Prayer Flag exhibit at Fort Frederik Museum in Frederiksted.

It is for sale. The price is $250.

The flag is 12" wide and 20" long, plus the fringe which extends to about 33".

It has a sleeve at the top and a rod for hanging.

The flag is made with hand-dyed batiks and acrylic yarns.

It is embellished with paints, beads, pearls, ribbons and fabric beads.

The Clarity Symbol was painted on a recycled dryer sheet.

It also has little jingle bells attached to the fringe.

As with all of my art work, this is my own original design and each flag is one of a kind. This Artful Prayer Flag is for indoor use and it was treated with a UV protector to avoid fading.

If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so via PayPal. Please contact me and I’ll provide you with all of the purchasing details.

Mardi Gras + St. Croix = Mardi Croix

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Here’s Cane Bay Beach before the parade.

This is the parade route lined with vendors.

There were beads

Beads

And more beads.

Cute girls

And cute twins

And body paint

And giant hats

And bead tosses.

Here come the King and Queen.

Golden Girls handed out treats.

The theme was Rock n Roll.

James Brown and Elvis made an appearance.

Plus a giant centepiede.

After the parade, everyone cooled off in the water, including the horses.

And Elvis sat with us for a few moments and reflected on the festivities.

Fish Portraits at Good Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:33:00 +0000

I love fish faces in their colorful diversity and breadth of expression. For a few years now I’ve wanted to explore those faces, handpick a few unforgettable ones from the multitudes and see where my creativity might take me. I spent the past few months doing just that, and my creativity took me on a detour from my usual art quilts into the world of mixed media.

I began my subjects sewing a fabric collage and embellishing with free-motion stitching, as in quilting. Then I fastened the collage onto a canvas. I looked around my studio and threw at the canvas all manner of beads, sequins, dried flowers, plastic ferns and any other embellishment that wanted to come along and become part of a three-dimensional coral reef for my fabric fish to call home. Acrylic paints, gesso, gel media and glitter found their way onto the canvas too. The result?
(You can click on each photo for a larger view)

Big Eyes

Tasty Bites

Curious Faces

Coral Gardens

I’ll be exhibiting my Fish Portrait Series this weekend at the 24th Annual Caribbean Fine Art Exhibit at The Good Hope School here on St. Croix. Friday, February 18th is the Opening Reception ($30/ticket at the door) with free-flowing Veuve Cliquot champagne. Entrance is free the rest of the weekend.
Here's a link for more info:http://www.ghsvi.org/cfae.htm.
If you’re on island, please come by and check it out!

Artful Prayer Flag for Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:26:00 +0000

Perhaps only artists pray for inspiration. I know I do. And so this is how I'd like to start the new year, by hanging here my prayer flag to dance in warm breezes welcoming new ideas and fresh creative adventures. I'm hanging it for me and for you, that your new year be full of inspiration.

You can click on the flag for a larger view. And for the curious, this is how it was made...

Artful Prayer Flags and Mindful Meditation Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:53:00 +0000

Watching a string of Buddhist prayer flags flutter in the wind gave me the idea of creating my own prayer flags. And then I met JoAnn Jones who makes Mindful Meditation Gardens from bamboo containers, and I thought, wouldn't it be awesome to have a joint exhibit? And so the exhibit Artful Prayer Flags and Mindful Meditation Gardens was born.

If you're on island on Saturday, October 30, stop by the Fort in Frederiksted. We'll be there from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Opening Reception. The exhibit runs until December 1.

Meanwhile, my studio is rocking with creativity as I explore the idea of prayer as form. Here's the scene:

Love in the Time of Cholera with Empanadas

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:42:00 +0000

It was my turn to host our Book Club for a discussion of Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to turn this into a full gastronomic celebration, so I made Colombian Empanadas with a little help from Liz, Joyce and Joann.

And while in frying mode, we added some yucca to the mix, with chimichurri sauce for dipping.

Shrimp and avocado salad and Colombian cole slaw rounded out the menu. Passion Mimosas proved to be very, very inspiring.

Here we are, in full discussion mode.

The moon made a guest appearance.

A bite of Dulce de Tres Leches and fortified by a little red wine gave us the strength to forge our discussion long into the night.

Four Little Monsters at Play

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:52:00 +0000

The torrid sea of June made us wonder if there'd be hell to pay come September when the sweltering Sahara winds barrel westward feeding on hot ocean currents. Metereologists like to call these "favorable conditions" for hurricanes.

Here's NOAA's satellite imaging of this morning, showing four little monsters at play in the Atlantic:

Earl brought us tropical storm winds and lots of rain. We almost lost a flamboyant tree on the hill. Here's Vincent the Gardener cutting down some branches before righting it.

Happily, we gained 34 mangoes from the Robinson mango tree. These babies are huge and rock hard. I'm glad I wasn't standing beneath that tree when it was throwing mango projectiles all over the yard.

Fiona tiptoed by us, and we barely noticed the splash of her tail. We'll wait for the mangos to ripen as we brace for Gaston's visit sometime next week.

Mango Melee at the Botanical Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Jamila) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:17:00 +0000

Yesterday the St. George Village Botanical Gardens hosted its annual Mango Melee, a big party in celebration of mango at the peak of its season. There were mango exhibits, mango cooking competitions and a mango eating contest. Here's an exhibit of the many varieties of mango available on the island.

Other tropical fruits in season were also exhibited.

In the gardens, vendors sold fresh mangoes and home-made delicacies.

The Mango Dis Mango Dat cooking competition showed off the versatility of this fruit as contestants entered drinks, sauces and desserts to be judged for flavor and creativity.

There were also lectures and workshops on growing mangoes and other tropical fruits. My friend Joanne White showed off her cooking prowess while teaching us the nutritional value of Mamey Sapote and Sapodilla.

We got a taste of a delightful milk shake and a pie made with sapodilla. It was light and offered hints of pear.

Joanne also prepared a chicken dish with Mamey Sapote, which reminded me of pumpkin.

Eating Sapote cooked in a chicken dish was a new experience for me. As a child in Colombia I remember opening the mamey sapote in half and eating the fiery orange pulp on the spot. Nobody I knew cooked with it. And here Joanne showed us how to infuse it with a little Pernod for a hint of anis. It took Sapote right out of my childhood and into an elegant meal, all grown up.