Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2018 | Page 98

Maureen Tracey Artist “ As a young child of seven born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada I found myself on a bus to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts heading to Saturday morning art classes. Imagine being able to do that then - what independence! I can remember vividly being introduced to the work of ‘a painter’ who painted faces and situations is ‘all kinds of different angles, shapes and proportions’. Yes it was Picasso! And that is where my major influence lies and does so until this day. As a mature artist now having experienced a career in textiles, colour and design never left Barbados: “Breadfruit Tree & Bajan Chattel House” Barbados & Canada me and actually was responsible for my initial exposure to the Caribbean where I married a Barbadian. There is something magical in life that happened to me then that has never left me to this day even though I now spend a good amount of time also in Canada and travelling the world. The magic was, and is, the people and the environment of where they live that makes them who they are. The tropical breezes, the vibrant colour of flowers everywhere, the upbeat, omnipresent music, the magnificent emerald sea, the aroma of local cooking. And, the climate that lends itself to being very laid back and aware of who we are. I truly believe it extends our life! Barbados: “View up East Coast"