Sheena Rose’s Big Picture

Last week, we focussed on Sheena’s journey so far, but I wanted to find out whom and what has inspired her to pursue this path. For most of us, the support to follow our dreams begins at home. Her parents have been very supportive of her choice and have never forced her to get a “normal” education to get a “normal” job.

“I always found a way to survive, and then things started happening. People started funding my trips and sponsoring my work. I’m glad they [Sheena’s parents] got to see things happen when I asked them to hold on.”

Sheena Rose (All photos by Mikey Rapley)

Sheena has had many people who have inspired and influenced her to keep going. Those people include Alison Thompson, Christopher Cozier, Richard Rawlins, Ebony Patterson, members of Alice Yard, her best friend, Joanna Griffith as well as her classmates and friends at the community college.

“To me, [Joanna] was the first person that pushed me. People thought I was a ‘dumb dumb’ and that’s the truth. I never thought I would have gotten back my CXC’s and be accepted into college. So she, I definitely have to thank.”

Sheena draws her inspiration from what she comes in contact with in her everyday life. She prefers to document what actually occurs in reality as opposed to basing her paintings and illustrations on stereotypes. That’s why we felt the best place to have the photo shoot would be in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. I knew it wouldn’t be difficult to get some great shots of Sheena interacting with the public; after all, she is far from shy.

It’s great to work with someone who has no inhibitions. Sheena was always open to my suggestions. She also brought three of her friends along with her, who made great assistants! Knowing that there wasn’t a massive amount of inspirational backdrops to work with on Broad Street, we kept our travels away from the main hustle and bustle and headed down the back roads and alleyways. Not only did we find some fun set ups, but also some great characters.

Sheena wanted to head into Swan Street, but I was supported by her friends when I suggested that wasn’t the best of ideas. Of course there are plenty of personalities on the street, but I felt the personalities would be a bit strong for us to have to deal with, especially when we were limited on time. So we came to a compromise. We go in, get the shot, and get out. And so we did.

Our adventure led us to some vendors selling shades. Sheena had come into contact with the guys before, which made it easier to get a great shot of Sheena in some wild eye pieces. One of the guys even wanted a photo with her, to which she kindly obliged and as a thank you, Sheena bought a pair of his sunglasses. My goal in some of the photos was to capture Sheena with some of the general public in the background or off to the side of the frame to portray the fact that it is these people that she draws inspiration from, and I hope I managed to do that.

Unfortunately for me, Sheena is very much an open book and therefore has no secrets for me to share with you all! However, I can tell you that she enjoys a good horror movie and loves to go shopping and to the beach. She loves the retro / vintage style which obviously makes a statement in this day and age.

“I like weird stuff on me to feel normal. When normal stuff is on me, I feel weird.”

Sheena’s looking at the big picture in terms of her future plans. She hopes to not only be an internationally recognised artist, but also for her name to make it into art history books in the future. Backed by her determination, discipline and passion for her art, there is no doubt that this big dreamer will someday reach her goals.

Check out the photo shoot below. All pictures by Mikey Rapley

This is a Hidden Gems feature. Every other week, Mikey Rapley will interview young and talented Bajans who deserve a chance to shine in the spotlight.