Jamaican Products is thrilled to deliver the third of our blog series focusing on Jamaica In Art. The Jamaican Products collection features 9 exquisite pieces, each crafted in Jamaica by 7 talented Caribbean artists. The featured artists include Robert Campbell, Jackie Leyra, Albert Huie, Roy Stephenson, Shaun Reid, Lennox Coke, and Novelette Gonzales-Barnes.
In this, the third of the blogs in the series, we delve into the unique story behind Shaun Reid.
Throughout this series, Jamaican Products will not showcase artworks directly in the blogs. Instead, Jamaican Products invites you to explore them on the relevant collection page. Sit back, enjoy the narratives, and leave a message letting Jamaican Products know if you share a connection with any of the places mentioned in Jamaica or beyond.
We invite you to explore these links showcasing “Golden Coconut” and “Serenity,” two stunning artworks by Shaun Reid available through Jamaican Products.
Shaun Reid’s artistic journey commenced in 1989 at the tender age of 5, inspired by colouring books, comic strips, and fairy-tale illustrations. His early fascination with drawing and painting led him to decorate the walls of his home—a bold move that met with typical parental disapproval in a Jamaican household.
Despite receiving only introductory art education at Oracabessa High School, Reid initially did not view art as a potential career. Following his schooling, he explored various professions including carpentry, trucking, and culinary arts.
In 2006, everything changed when Reid achieved a significant milestone by winning a gold medal in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s National competition, marking a pivotal moment that spurred him to pursue art professionally.
Reid draws inspiration from diverse sources, including Jamaican master painter Barrington Watson, as well as international luminaries such as Michelangelo, David Kassan, and Leonardo da Vinci. His artistic style is characterised by vibrant and dynamic portrayals of Jamaican landscapes and occasionally features animal life. While he experimented with abstract art earlier in his career, Reid’s work remains deeply rooted in his cultural and artistic influences, reflecting a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Shaun Reid’s artwork has graced several galleries throughout Jamaica and has been featured in numerous group shows and auctions both locally and internationally. Over the years, his distinctive style has matured into a recognizable signature, praised by critics and enthusiasts alike. Despite never having held a solo exhibition, Reid is currently immersed in creating pieces for his inaugural solo showcase.
Presently, Reid is passionately engaged in a new series of paintings that address the pressing issue of recent atrocities against women and children in Jamaica. This thematic direction underscores his commitment to using art as a medium for social commentary and awareness.
Navigating the economic challenges that confront Jamaican artists, Reid remains undeterred. He acknowledges the hurdles faced by artists in Jamaica, including the struggle for recognition and the limited market for art in the country. He believes that Jamaican art students often lack sufficient education in marketing their craft, a gap he strives to address through mentorship and teaching at his studio in Saint Mary.
Shaun Reid’s artistic journey is marked by resilience, social consciousness, and a dedication to nurturing artistic talent in Jamaica, making significant strides despite the challenges of the local art scene.
Reid prefers acrylics for their quick-drying properties, although he values the allure and richness of oils. This choice reflects a practical approach to his artistic process.
Now, you can bring a piece of Jamaica into your own space with our collection of ready-to-hang artworks. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of colour to your living room or a touch of island charm to your office, our selection of Jamaican artworks is sure to inspire and delight.
Join our newsletter to hear about all things Jamaican Products. We send occasional emails with promotions, news, events, and new products.
