In celebration of International Women’s Month, we shine a spotlight on the incredible Belizean women making waves in the art world. From painters and sculptors to photographers and digital artists, these talented women are not only showcasing their creativity but also breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Tonight, the Belisle Art Gallery at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts is launching an exhibition called Women In Art. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect.
Art has always been a powerful form of self-expression, allowing people to connect, share their stories, and comment on society. This is the passion of Belizean artist Alex Sanker, who is renowned for his political pieces often displayed on the streets of Belize City. In tonight’s episode of Kolcha Tuesday, we explore Sanker’s latest collection inspired by the theme “Art is not a Crime.” Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Alex Sanker is making a bid for the history books. Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve likely seen his work lining Albert Street at the Swing Bridge foot in Belize City. Sanker is an artist known for his bold social and political commentary. His latest collection, “Art is Not a Crime,” pushes boundaries and ventures into areas where others have been hesitant to tread.
Alex Sanker, Belizean Painter
“The more people in power in power push and tell me I can’t do this type of painting, I double up. You understand? It’s like smart on the fifteenth and thirtieth. Double up. So my thing is, what this is saying that art is not a crime. Stop treating it like it is because it’s truly not. I am simply, freely expressing myself with the frustration, the corruption, the social injustice. And at the end of the day, my whole legacy, what I want to base on that, that you know what, those that cannot speak or are scared to speak up. I am not Superman, but I’m definitely somebody making changes to my art. And people know when you talk, tomorrow everybody forget. But when you put it on canvas, yeah, that’s a whole different story. So, I always say this, people are not scared of me, you know. They’re scared of my canvases.”
Sanker’s collection mainly features paintings, but he loves to experiment with mixed media, incorporating elements like paper, string, and wood beyond the canvas. One of his favorite pieces right now shows himself as the iconic Christmas character Santa Claus, proudly holding a naughty list that rolls off the canvas. In Sanker’s version, this list includes the names of public figures who have criticized his art. Through this bold act of defiance, he hopes to inspire other artists to use their talents to highlight issues affecting their communities.
“ I am paving that way for other artists to feel free that you know what, I can express myself. Somebody has to open the door, but not open the door, keep it open. Because the reality is, there was no door open for me. This is not a pity call, it’s a fact. The gate to get in the yard was closed, and I had to kick all these in. So now that everything is open, I hope there’s one artist that chooses to pick up this same type of painting. After I’m gone, or even presently.”
Alex Sanker
“I have so much pieces for myself. That’s why you see me on Albert Street. I could do an exhibit any time of the day. I have certain pieces. I could be broke, broke on his money offer on certain pieces. Without a dollar in my pocket and I told them it’s not for sale because it’s more important to educate my Belize people. When you see school over and all those kids pass Bridgefoot, whoever is in Belize could confirm on this. There’s kids from Standard one. to university out there debating these pieces.”
Alex Sanker
“When I post this and I have to say this is owned by a very delicate customer, When I post this, he be like, Alex, for right now, please tell me it’s available. She said, because, you know, as an adult, I used to do this. And when I saw this painting, like every bone in my body turned cold, like, wow.”
Alex Sanker
“They cannot beat me no farther. They beat me so much down. I had hit the rock bottom. You can’t go farther than that. So like I said, Alex Sankar doing all this love for country. All those people are doing wrong by this country. They will have their day. I promise you, we might be wrong or not be around. They’re going to have their day because what happened, people will sell their soul in a second for wealth. And that’s material stuff. And unfortunate without the wealth. You cannot move forward. I would love to have a big museum until that wealth come. It’s going to happen though. That I could promise you.”
Britney Gordon for News Five.
When we think of handcrafted items in Belize, luxury isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, we often see them as souvenirs—simple keepsakes rather than high-end, bespoke pieces that celebrate craftsmanship and exclusivity. However, in many parts of the world, luxury and handmade craftsmanship go hand in hand. The story behind each creation, the meticulous attention to detail, and the artistry involved add immense value to every piece. While mass-produced items focus on efficiency and affordability, custom, handmade creations stand out for their intentionality and unique value. This philosophy is at the core of Emilio Perrera’s business. He is dedicated to showcasing the luxury in handcrafted artistry, sharing the rich stories behind each piece, and promoting sustainability. Here’s more of what we discovered in this week’s look on the Bright Side.
Inside this lively studio, designer and artisan Emilio Perrera is fully absorbed in his work, carefully putting the finishing touches on his latest commissioned piece. The soft sound of history podcasts fills the air, perhaps guiding his thoughts as he reflects on a journey that started over a decade ago.
Emilio Perrera, Designer Artisan
“It started off as a men’s line and eventually a lot of people were asking me for gifts for their husbands, for their boyfriends, and it was mostly Belizeans. Like 80 percent of my customer-base was Belizean, and my workshop was in Antigua.”
Emilio Perrera’s journey began in Guatemala, where he pursued Civil Engineering at the university level. But it didn’t take long for him to find his true calling. He traded in blueprints and calculations for the deeply fulfilling craft of an artisan, where his passion could truly flourish.
“I moved to Guatemala in 2009 to study civil engineering. And throughout that process, I realized it wasn’t for me. Um, there I moved to Lake Atitlan, and in Lake Atitlan, um, moving around with the different people that were living there. And Lake Atitlan is essentially an artisan, uh, how do you say, it’s like a plaza because it’s like a massive lake with volcanoes around, and there’s 12 villages around the lake. And each lake, each village is responsible for a certain craft. After a while, I realized I could do it on my own, so I branched off and started doing Emilio. It began as side projects because a lot of locals in Belize reached out to me in Guatemala asking for gifts, like wallets. I started as a men’s line, making things I liked—wallets, belts, shoes, bags. When I came back home, people saw my stuff and placed orders.”
Emilio Perrera
“It took a turn when these women would ask me if I could make a bag? Can I do this? Can I do that? And then I was like, okay. When I started doing that, they were asking me for another color, and I realized there was something here. It was even more beautiful because, working with other handbag companies, I could see the creativity in material use. You could use fabrics, and now you can use an array of different materials in constructing these designs.”
Sabreena Daly
“One of the things that really shocked me was when you said you don’t use a sewing machine. In this case, the handbag you just showed had 500 stitches, and those 500 stitches were done by hand.”
“By hand. Yes. Yes.”
A decade later, after navigating growing pains and even an identity crisis, Emilio Perrera looks back and reflects on just how far he has come. His experiences beyond his home country and his deep appreciation for handmade work have shown him the true value and luxury that are often overlooked in handmade art.
Emilio Perrera
“I saw something out there and knew I could contribute in Belize because the luxury industry was changing and shifting, especially in Europe, Asia, and America, where societies were moving towards handmade products. Having been part of this industry for a long time and being involved in the conversations, I foresaw the future of handmade, and that future was green.”
“I had to get creative with the materials and making these bags, so I started outsourcing and looking for other alternatives. I discovered a whole new dimension in the creative industry because the forest offers so much. We have all these heritage crafts and traditional skills that I didn’t even know existed. There are artisans hidden away, often known only by word of mouth or found on the side of the street. It was about going out, investigating, researching, and finding these people, then working with them over time to see how the materials complemented the designs I wanted. It’s not about the piece, but the process and the base materials it comes from. All these questions lead up to understanding where each part originates and the hands that made it—this is the ultimate luxury for me. I can trace where the leather comes from, where the coconut comes from, and the artisans who crafted it. The story behind each piece is what truly sells it and what matters most. This also ties into the sustainability factors, emphasizing the importance of knowing the production chain. Having full control over all of this meant I needed to base everything here.”
In the end, it’s the dedication to quality, sustainability, and storytelling that sets Emilio Perrera’s handmade creations apart. Each piece is more than just a luxury item; it’s a testament to rich heritage, exceptional craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the land and people of Belize. Looking on the Bright side, I’m Sabreena Daly.
From a young age, kids are encouraged to express themselves and dream big, believing they can become anything they set their minds to. While many spend their whole lives searching for their passion, twenty-one-year-old artist Samir Habet has already found his. In today’s episode of Belize on Reel, we visit the Belmopan-born and raised painter in his home studio to hear how he discovered his love for art. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Two years back, Samir Habet dusted off his old paintbrush, eager to find a fresh way to channel his creativity. He decided to give painting a shot, and from that moment on, he’s been hooked. Now, you can hardly pry the brush from his hands!
Samir Habet, Artist
“I don’t know if it’s healthy, but it’s an obsession, I guess every free time, I don’t really have free time because all of it gets consumed by painting. So it’s really about sacrificing, I guess.”
The twenty-one-year-old artist is entirely self-taught, using YouTube videos and online references to learn new skills and techniques. He shares that a lot of his artistic flair actually stems from his graphic design background.
“I started off in graphic design. I watched a YouTube video on graphic design and I was very intrigued by it. So I started, and I found out that I was good at it, and that just kind of made me more, you know, obsessed with it. I wanted to get better and at a certain point I felt limited by searching for pictures on the internet. So I kind of wanted to do my own thing and could be able to do any, anything from scratch, and that’s how I got into painting..”
Habet estimates that he’s painted about thirty pieces over the past two years. Depending on its complexity, a single piece can take him up to a month to complete.
“My art style right now is just experimenting. It’s street art, realism, anything that I feel could give a sense of what I’m trying to express, what medium works best.”
He finds inspiration in his everyday experiences, blending them with influences from artists like Jean Michel Basquiat. His work is known for its raw, gestural style and its blend of text and imagery. Basquiat’s art often explored themes of race, identity, and social issues, drawing from his experiences as a Black artist. Lately, Habet has been diving into bigger projects, and he’s excited to reveal them at his upcoming art show.
“This painting is them nailing Jesus on the cross. And this is a part of a bigger project that I’m working on of the stations that, and the journey that Jesus took to dying on the cross. What went into this was a lot of time and, I don’t know, just trying to give a good idea or historical representation of what happened. Even though I wasn’t there, but I tried my best.”
Samir Habet
“I have my brushes here. Some of them are from out of district, but most of them you can find at Stationary House in Belize City. I have mostly acrylic paint. All of them are acrylic paint. I don’t know how to use oil paint. I find acrylic is just more convenient and it holds up to everything that I want to do.”
One of the standout pieces in his collection is called ‘Colour My Life’. It beautifully depicts two people stepping into a vibrant world after seeing life in dull shades. Habet first painted this piece a year ago and finished a second version earlier this year. Every time he looks at it, he’s reminded of how far he’s come.
“This one was something that I felt a year ago and I was trying my hardest to express what it is that I had in my mind. And I really couldn’t, I didn’t have the technical ability even though I had the idea. And a year later, I was able to create something more close to what I had in my mind. So it was a really nice experience see how far I came in that year.”
Samir Habet
“I think that you just really need to want it. If you want it, you will seek it out and you will find it. And it’s, you don’t have to create anything extraordinary. It’s just whatever is in you, you can use art in a way to express that. And that is beautiful regardless of how the painting looks.”
Habet is gearing up for his first solo exhibition in March 2025, where he’ll finally get to showcase his art. In the meantime, anyone interested in his work can connect with him on Instagram. Britney Gordon for News Five.
In the dazzling world of fine jewelry, it’s easy to get lost in the sparkle of beautiful displays. But the real magic happens behind the scenes, where dedication and passion fuel the craftsmanship. For the Martinez family, owners of Nancy’s Jewelry, what started as a modest dream to serve their community has grown into something truly special. Tonight, we delve into the art of handcrafting exquisite jewelry and discover why this family business is a shining example of trust and lasting relationships with their customers. It’s a reminder that the true value of their pieces goes far beyond the glitter. Here’s their story.
For the past twenty years, Nancy’s Jewelry has been a beloved name, known for its stunning silver and gold pieces. Their displays are filled with beautiful designs that draw in customers looking for the perfect addition to their collection. But, like many of us, customers often overlook the dedication and craftsmanship behind each piece. It all began thirty-five years ago, in 1979, when Jose Martinez first discovered the world of jewelry. After arriving in Belize, he started out as a watch repairman. However, his curiosity soon led him to the intricate art of jewelry making, igniting a passion that would shape his future and the future of Nancy’s Jewelry.
Jose Martinez Sr., Co-owner, Nancy’s Jewelry
“The places that used to be in operation in those days, they used to buy and sell; not really manufacture. I saw a big opportunity in that situation there. So I decided to start learning more and open my own jewelry store.”
Sabreena Daly
“Tell me about the uniqueness of your job, Mr. Martinez. I think what a lot of people tend to think of when they purchase jewelry is that it’s just there. Not a lot of us think of where it comes from.”
“Yes. And in my case, I put a lot of effort into whichever piece of jewelry the customer asked me to make for them.”
Nancy’s Jewelry is named after Jose Martinez’s muse and inspiration—his beloved wife, Nancy. Over the years, their sons—Jose, Miguel, and Francis—have not only joined the family business but have also become skilled artisans. They’ve grown into the trade, playing a crucial role in keeping their father’s legacy alive and thriving.
Jose Martinez Jr., Son
“I actually started the jewelry industry when I was 15. I was still in high school at that time. But what really drew me to the industry was the appearance, the appeal of gold, um, prior to silver. For What I mean by appeal is gold is a metal that has malleability, workability, durability. It’s, uh, it doesn’t corrode and it’s just such a beautiful color that when compared to any product in the market, you know, it’s second to none. You know, um, the other thing that really brought me into the industry was looking at the time, the effort that my dad put into this and the pride that he really had whenever he made that piece for the, for the customer.”
Jewelry is more than adornment—it also symbolizes luxury, love, and style. But in Belize, certain jewelry reflects our rich culture and identity. Iconic pieces like our petaled earrings, Mayan hoops, and braided bangles are treasured symbols of our rich heritage. And what sets them apart is the artistry: each piece, handcrafted with skill and passion, preserves a tradition unique to Belize.
“Here in Belize, jewelry is something cultural. A lot of us may overlook it because the younger generation is into modern jewelry; the stones and you know that big flash. But if you take a look at our traditional Belizean bangles, whether it be gold or silver, you can identify that someone is Belizean just by a pair of bangles, no matter where you see them.”
Jose Martinez, Son
“My dad whenever he started in the industry, he started manufacturing strictly by hand. And by hand I mean You start Assemble and finish a product using handmade tools, right? Like your pliers, your hammers, those are the tools you use whenever you’re referring to handmade pieces. Now, from then, which was in the 1980s, when he started in this trade, up until today, the industry has evolved, and we have had to evolve with it in order to keep up with trends. When he started in the industry, as mentioned, he did hand manufactured jewelry. But throughout this time, we’ve also embraced other methods such as the loss wax casting, which is a very popular method for most of the pieces that you see around. We’ve also embraced the dye striking method. And lately we’ve also come on board with the CAD manufacturing process, which is computer aided design manufacturing. So using either these methods individually or combined, um, We actually mass produce or create that unique piece for the customer.”
Jose Martinez Sr.
“Well, it represents hard work and effort. From those days until now. A lot of things happened and it took a lot of sacrifices to be at this point that we are at the moment. but we cannot regret anything, we are blessed with everything that we have and hopefully my children will continue for generations to come.”
Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.
It’s common to see male wood carvers, but have you ever heard of a woman who can carve, crochet, and create handicrafts? Today, we met forty-five-year-old Paulette Ottley at Fort George Artisan Alley. She makes a living doing all three forms of art. Ottley shared that her crochet skills have been her mainstay, providing her with a steady income. News Five’s Marion Ali brings you this week’s edition of Belize on Reel with a visit to Ottley’s booth. Here’s the report.
If you’ve ever strolled through the Fort George Artisan Alley near the Tourism Village, you’ve probably seen Paulette Ottley hard at work. Whether she’s weaving macrame, knitting crochet, stringing beaded jewelry, or sanding a new wood carving, she’s always busy perfecting her craft. Paulette has turned crochet into her lifelong occupation and main source of income, a skill she picked up at just eleven years old at All Saints Primary School. And it’s certainly paid off for her.
Paulette Ottley, Owner, Sweet P Crochet World
“We used to have Tuesday, Thursday sessions at All Saints Primary School and that’s where I learned it.”
Marion Ali
“So you’ve taken it with you through life?”
Paulette Ottley
“Yes ma’am, all my years I’ve been doing this for a living. This what sent my son to S.J.C.J.C. and I also own a three-bedroom house from it.”
“When you have concerts and so on or tenth or 21st, and my highest peak is Easter with the swimsuits and stuff because I do cover ups like this. I do two-piece bathing suits; I do wraps, I do different stuff. 0I do have local Belizeans that are my biggest supporters as well as tourists. Belizeans are my biggest supporters.”
But today, her biggest customer was a visitor from Mississippi. Mike Altom bought not one, but three jewelry sets to take home as gifts for his family.
Mike Altom, Tourist
“They were beautiful pieces. They’ll go with any kind of outfit that they want to wear.”
Marion Ali
“Your grandkids are into these types of jewelry?”
“Well, I just got one that’s fourteen. The other two are daughters, so they’re on up in age, but they’ll like it. If they don’t. I’ll give it to my girlfriend, right?”
To gather materials for her beaded jewelry sets, Ottley travels all the way to Cancun. She’s a self-taught artisan who has developed her own unique style, creating each set with care for her appreciative customers. Ottley encourages young people to explore this trade, as it can be a therapeutic and rewarding way to make a living.
“Girls and boys could do this because it is a unisexual job. It’s not only for females. I would encourage them to pick up the course. They would profit off it, because like I told you, I profit from off it. It’s very relaxing, for me it’s peace of mind.”
If you’re interested in any of Ottley’s unique pieces, feel free to reach out to her at 608-3136. Marion Ali for News Five.
People all over the world love ceramics, not just for their practical uses but also as a powerful way to express themselves. Pottery holds a special place in many cultures. From ancient times to today’s modern designs, this craft has become a timeless art form that crosses all borders. In Belize, a country rich in cultural heritage, handcrafted pottery beautifully showcases this legacy. While exploring local artisans, we stumbled upon Cecilia Ceramics—a business that masterfully combines traditional craftsmanship with modern creativity. At the heart of this vibrant collection is Victoria Bedran, whose unique approach breathes new life into this ancient art. Here’s her story.
In Belize, our love for clay pottery goes way back to the ancient Maya civilization. For the Maya, pottery wasn’t just practical—it was a powerful cultural and spiritual symbol. They crafted beautifully intricate pieces for cooking, storage, and ceremonies, often decorating them with detailed carvings and meaningful symbols. Victoria Bedran, inspired by this rich history, wanted to connect the past with the present. After studying pottery at university, she came back to Belize with a passion to share her modern techniques and knowledge. She blends the ancient art form with her own contemporary creativity, bringing a fresh twist to this timeless craft.
Victoria Bedran, Owner, Cecilia Ceramics
“I went to school in England, that’s when I discovered different media, about collage, clay, plaster molds, glass, and all sorts of woodworking. I went into all of those media, and I found out that clay was best suited for me, and I loved it. I loved how you can work with earth, water, fire, air, like all of the elements of the earth to create one piece. I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I loved art my whole life. So when I discovered ceramics, I fell in love more with it. And I wanted to bring that to Belize, because I never really experienced clay. I know the Mayans use clay, but I wanted to bring a different part of it here in Belize. I also wanted to be a teacher, so the teaching thing was part of that too.”
Pottery, like many art forms, offers a therapeutic way to express and reconnect with oneself. For Bedran, pottery became her sanctuary. After realizing that teaching and the typical nine-to-five grind weren’t her calling, she returned to her craft and rediscovered her passion. This sparked the creation of her own business, Cecilia Ceramics, where she could fully embrace her love for pottery and turn it into a thriving creative outlet.
“You know, sometimes I don’t even feel like an entrepreneur. I just feel like I’m somebody doing what they love and I get paid for it sometimes. It’s a passion of mine and I enjoy sharing it with other people and seeing their face being happy with what I’ve made makes me feel great. It is very therapeutic, sometimes stressful, but mostly therapeutic. Making, getting a lump of clay and making anything out of your mind that you can do, the possibilities are endless. So, it’s just the thought of sitting down and just creating something that comes to mind or a vision or something on Pinterest you’ve always wanted and can’t afford, you could just do it out of clay. Even when you’re on the wheel, that motion of spinning and everything in the center and you’re just in the zone, it’s sort of relaxing for me.”
Victoria Bedran
“After it’s dried to bone dry, I’ll put it in the kiln and it will get fired for 12 hours.”
“And we are currently firing some items today.”
Victoria Bedran
“Yes, This is a homemade gas kiln that I bought. And we are currently firing the first set of bisque firing, it’s called. So that’s whenever the clay turns into ceramics. Right now we’re candling at below 100 degrees Celsius. I candle it for five hours just to make sure all the moisture is out of the clay before I start turning up the heat because if I turn up the heat and there’s still moisture in the clay it will explode.”
Sabreena Daly
“Now, these items on display went through the same process you just described. I want to get a look at these, though. These are so adorable. Look at that. You said something really funny that your customers would tell you.”
Victoria Bedran
“They don’t need a bottle stopper because they drink the whole bottle. But I said it would be good for gifts.”
“That’s really funny. But I love the detail. This literally has a roughness like the tentacle.”
Victoria Bedran
“I do markets around Belize. I go with Market on the Go and Wonderland. So it’s mostly in San Ignacio, Belmopan night markets; I go to Placencia sometimes and then I also post on my social media about new products I make. My social media is Cecilia’s Ceramics.”
Ever fallen in love with a carving, sculpture, or painting so much that you just had to bring it home? You find the perfect spot to display it, and soon, your family and friends are sharing their own interpretations. That’s the magic of visual art—artists communicate their thoughts and emotions through their creations. Today, we caught up with three senior students from St. John’s College’s Art Class. They shared how they speak to their audience through various forms of art, be it traditional, abstract, or graphic design. News Five’s Marion Ali brings you this week’s edition of Belize on Reel, featuring these talented young artists.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today, in a classroom at St. John’s College, three senior students are hard at work. But to them, it doesn’t feel like work at all. They’re lost in their own creative worlds where there are no limits, and anything is possible. As they create their art, they hope you’ll pick up on the subtle messages woven into their pieces.
Amare Perrera, Art Student, S.J.C.
“All of the other subject courses that you could have taken, really put you in a box and it limits you to what you can do. But to me, art really bridges that gap, and it allows you to be yourself and creative, express yourself freely and yeah, have creative freedom.”
Amare Perrera loves to express himself through abstract art, and he envisions his name standing proudly alongside renowned Belizean artists like Terryl Godoy, Yasser Musa, and Alex Sanker.
Amare Perrera
“It’s art that anyone can interpret, anyone can have their own opinion on that type of art, and I, I think that can be the same thing. You can say about a person, anyone can interpret you however way they like. So, I like the parallels that abstract art has to real life. Some people would look at abstract art and say, hmm, I can’t figure it out. The artist may have a meaning behind that art and to me, as long as the artist has their own opinion on their art, that is the only thing that can hold true. Anyone can interpret anything in any way they like.”
Rehan Beltran says he has been drawing and painting since he was much younger, but his preference lies in digital technology and with a special twist, with music to change the mood of how you view his art. Even if you have visual challenges, Amare says the music can paint a picture of what he’s created on his screen.
Rehan Beltran, Art Student, S.J.C.
“Seeing that the school gave both music and art together. This is the perfect thing. Depending on the music, I think it changes the way you interpret art itself.
For people who have visual challenges, then the music definitely is going to assist them, because the music that I choose is going to equal and parallel to the art piece that is going to help them understand what I’m trying to bring across.
I love digital art. I think I prefer digital art more than anything else, just because I feel like I can do anything with that because there’s infinite possibilities. I can make any number of mistakes that I’d like to, and I can just undo it with just one click of a button. So, if I were, if I didn’t like anything in my brainstorming process, then I could just remove it, just like that.”
Rehan uses a computer to create his art, but Derek Luna Monteroso prefers traditional art. He found his passion for painting during the COVID lockdown, making the decision to major in art an easy one.
Derek Luna Monteroso, Art Student, S.J.C.
“During COVID, it was the time when I let out the skills of art because I couldn’t go to no field to play sports, so I had to stay at my room playing art, um, practicing art. So, that was when I was in second form. When I started third form, I saw the opportunities. They had computer science, they had business, and they had humanities. And then when they started to explain more what was humanities – they added visual arts, graphic design, and music, those were the ones that matched my choices. I started drawing direct drawings like people, and plants, flowers, buildings. Cartoons.”
Guided by their art teacher, Tiana Twist, the students learn that their creations reflect their innermost thoughts and feelings. She inspires them to pour their hearts into their art.
Tiana Twist, Art Teacher, S.J.C.
“In the beginning, we do a little bit of history, what the boys know, and then from there we go into a lot of brainstorming. What do we want to bring on this paper or on this canvas? And then we start off with basic shapes. I believe that art start off from the foundation, which is circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, and then we merge those together to make form, form, um, form, transfer into creating 3D objects, and then from 3D objects we add shading to make realistic pieces. My class is very untraditional. I don’t want them to feel that we’re in a traditional setting 365 days a year. So, when you come into class, I want them to leave everything outside, and you’re coming into a whole setting where you can be yourself. That way when you create your art, you’re creating what you feel.”
What Derek Luna Monteroso feels when he picks up his brush is something he invites youths his age to explore.
Derek Luna Monteroso
“When you feel bored, don’t just play games, play it. Don’t do nothing that will benefit you. You can just do, grab a piece of paper, a pencil, crayons, and start drawing art. Because I can bet you that will be the best hobby.”
Marion Ali for News Five.
While on our journey to find unique stories from handicraft artisans, we stumbled upon a hidden gem: silverware art. This incredible craft turns everyday eating utensils into stunning pieces of jewelry and decor, with some creations beautifully capturing the essence of Belizean culture. In the charming Hopkins Village, we met an artist who is bringing this imaginative vision to life. Here’s his story.
Matthew Montague and his wife like to call themselves immigrants, not expats, because they aim to give back to Belize rather than just take from it. When they arrived four years ago, they settled into a modest yet charming home in the heart of Hopkins Village. Surrounded by lush greenery, their imaginations are constantly fueled by their pets and the local wildlife. Beneath this cozy dwelling, Montague has carved out a small workshop where his art comes to life. Amidst running thoughts, bursts of creativity, and the occasional insect, he transforms everyday utensils into unique pieces.
Matthew Montague, Owner, Shady Acres Belize
“It’s always funny to watch people’s faces because people don’t recognize that that’s a fork. Or that that’s a spoon. Huh. And so I show them. I’ve got a little speech and I show them and you see the realization and then they’re like, Oh my goodness, that’s a fork!!”
Montague’s business, Shady Acres Belize, showcases a delightful array of his creations, along with his wife’s beautiful pieces. But his best-selling items—jewelry crafted from utensils— are the eyecatchers and conversation starters, originating from a distinctive piece his wife owned.
“Everything here is made from a fork, a spoon, or a handle of some kind. I start basically with that, right there. A fork. It begins with a fork. Yeah, or if I have a really fancy spoon that has a fancy handle on it, then I can make a nice ring out of that. My wife Angela had this beautiful octopus pendant that she’d gotten 25 years ago at a festival somewhere in California. And every time we’d go to market or do something, people would ask, Oh, did you make that? Where’d you get it? And finally I said, we’ve been asked so many times, why am I not making these? So she said, okay, and gave me her grandmother’s wedding silverware and that’s where it started. And so I ruined a lot of forks figuring this out, but, but here we are and so, yeah, it literally started with that. So far she’s not haunting us, but you know, we’re okay.”
Matthew Montague
“As you can see here, most of the stuff I use I try to recycle. You know, the forks and silverware we purchase, they’re repurposed versus recycled, but all of the wood and the backing and a lot of the other materials that I use in my art are all recycled.”
Sabreena Daly
“Where do you get these items from?”
“I pick them up on the beach. A lot of trash I pick up on the beach. Plastics and bottle caps, I scrap it. I even used a lot of the wire from my house when we built this house. Used all the leftover wire that was extra and scraps to make different arts and fish pieces. And, an example, this is just recycled, little piece of recycled wire. So, but I used to make giant ones when I first started. I made huge fish like that. That was where the barracuda came from. And so I’ve been trying to incorporate Belize into my art. I did a fish recently that was an amazing months long project of spoons. And I used all the spoons for the scales. I’ll have to show you a picture because it’s gone. But the head portion was made out of Belikin bottle caps. So you’d know that fish is from Belize. The fish is somewhere in the U. S. right now, but it’s from Belize.”
Matthew Montague
“We’re part of Markets on the Go, and we travel all over Belize with them and to some amazing market events. We’re getting ready for pop-up market season to start again here shortly in December. We’ll have one at Itsana, we’re at Barefoot once a month regularly through the season, Beach Bar and Placencia. And then we support a lot of shops in the area with a lot of our art too. Our biggest supporter is Garamaya here in Hopkins.”
As Montague strives to create a space where he can give back to the country he now calls home, he hopes his artistic journey brings joy to everyone who experiences it.
“What do you hope, uh, for people to feel or, or remember about you as an artist or your work as art?”
Matthew Montague
“I try to create happy feelings for people. Things that you look at and you make smile. You know, jewelry is always amazing. I love jewelry. Um, it makes me happy musicians, you know, I’ve got my band here. Musicians take that and they’re, they’re, they’re pretty, hmm, that it takes it home. It’s something that they identify with. And so if you can find a piece of my art that you identify with, that’s really what I’m trying to do.”
Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.
Mahogany is one of Belize’s most treasured resources, having played a crucial role in the country’s economic history. But for local sculptor Carl Gordon, mahogany is more than just wood—it’s a canvas for his art. In this week’s episode of Belize on Reel, we chatted with Carl to uncover the passion and craftsmanship behind his creations and to find out what has kept him inspired for forty-six years. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Stepping into the home of Belizean artist Carl Gordon feels like entering a museum. Every inch, from floor to ceiling, is adorned with sculptures he has meticulously crafted over the past forty-six years. Gordon’s artistic journey began when he was just a schoolboy, and his passion has only grown since then.
Carl Gordon, Wood Sculptor
“I used to love to draw. That at one point, I actually stole my uncle’s drawing book and I took it to school. He was very good at drawing. And what I did was, I traced over some of his drawing and to kind of get the indication. So my friends, my classmates, they could have seen what I was doing. And when they saw me doing that, they got sort of interested and wanted to, wanted me to draw for them. They didn’t know what I was doing. So I would then do it for them, but without them looking at me.”
Gordon started honing his drawing skills on his own, steadily improving over time. It wasn’t until he reached adulthood that he discovered wood carving and fell in love with it. Nowadays, he finds his inspiration in the clouds, letting their shapes and forms guide his artistic vision.
“What really influences me in doing what I’m doing is the inspiration I get from looking in the clouds on a daily basis, because the clouds has all the formation of whatever I have in here, I would see it in the clouds.”
Gordon shares that he has a near-photographic memory, allowing him to vividly recall the images he sees in the sky during the morning and evening. He considers this ability to draw inspiration from the clouds and transform it into his wood carvings a true blessing. His art often reflects a deep connection to his African ancestry, a recurring theme in his work.
“When I look in the clothes and I see some of these formations and I put it together it’s like it kind of invokes me in a provocative manner. You understand? And I really do have to do something about it. So, I get wood, I look at the wood, I think about what I had seen, And I start the work. I start working and everything start coming together, you know? And this, this is the theme, from my ancestors. It’s like I am following their footsteps.”
Standing proudly in the center of Gordon’s pieces is a sculpture titled “Emancipation”. It depicts an African girl breaking the chains of oppression. He walks us through the creation of this piece. It started with a dying Mahogany tree that he saw on the side of the road.
“It was an old, rotten looking mahogany tree, but it was pretty solid. Rotten on the outside, but solid on the inside. And I had the opportunity to cut that tree. And he had given a piece to me. So this is what I carved from that piece of wood. But to get to this point, I used my chainsaw. I use, I do a lot of chainsaw cutting. Then I have my grinder, I have a disc grinder that I would grind it down with after getting it to the point. I do my chiseling, I work with my hatchet. You know, I do all that. So it’s a lot of things I have to put together in order to reach to this point that it is presently.”
Carl Gordon
“That’s love. That’s what I am blessed by the Father’s hand. You understand what I’m saying? This is my calling. I don’t want to be doing nothing else but carve and sculpt. You understand? So, it doesn’t really feel no way to me.”
Britney Gordon for News Five.
