Member of the Waitukubuli Artist Association (WAA), Sarama Rolle, recently moved one step closer to achieving her goal of becoming the best artist that she can be when she won Republic Bank’s “Art of Banking” competition.
According to the bank, the competition, which was launched earlier this year, provided an opportunity for all emerging artists who have not exhibited or had work published, aged 18 and up who live in one of Republic Bank’s 13 operating territories, including Ghana, to be seen and heard internationally.
Participants also had the opportunity to win USD 2,000 in the currency of their home country.
“We believe in the power of the arts to help economies thrive, educate and enrich societies, and create greater cultural understanding. That is why we continue to encourage and nurture young artists of all types in order to promote art and its role in community building,” Nigel Baptiste, President and Chief Executive Officer at Republic Financial Holdings Limited said in explaining the reason for the competition at its official launch.
Participating artists were required to create a piece depicting any of the Republic Bank products or services, as well as the associated themes. They were free to submit as many pieces as they wanted under any of the following themes:
- Credit Cards – Artist theme: A new world of opportunity
- TISP (Tax Incentive Savings Plan) – Artist theme: The future: protected
- RightStart – Artist theme: From young
- RS Teen – Artist theme: Out in the world
- Mortgages – Artist theme: Finally, home
- Online banking and digital products – Artist theme: Freedom through tech
Rolle’s submission was in the TISP category under the theme: The Future: Protected.
She did a digital piece which she felt represented the benefit of TISP.
During an interview with Dominica News Online, Rolle said she enjoyed creating the piece because she loves colorful and lively nature scenes and wanted it to be “fun and humorous to viewers.”
Rolle said that from a young age, she always loved art and had a “knack” for it. She spent a lot of time drawing and doodling “in the back of my exercise books.”
“I used to look at my father’s paintings, and the paintings of other artists in Dominica, and be completely amazed. I started digital art in my late teens and started painting about five years ago,” the young artist recounted.
Shortly after she started painting, she joined the WAA, and according to Rolle, got deeper into painting, gaining experience and knowledge from murals and working with other experienced artists.
“Since then, I’ve been doing art steadily, my main medium being acrylic paint,” Rolle stated. “I mainly do modern realism and my works are often vivid and positively charged. I also enjoy creating artworks inspired by the human figure, nature and scenes that tell a story.”
She said her goal is to become the best artist that she can be as she continues to create, research and improve her understanding and techniques,
“I am excited to see where this journey takes me. In the future, I hope to do multiple exhibitions both locally and internationally.”
The winning artwork will be used to create billboards and other creative pieces throughout all Republic Bank territories.
Hats off to you young lady. Keep on pushing towards your goals.
“Congratulations and best wishes for your next adventure!”