Dominican creative Sarama Rolle was training to be a doctor when circumstances meant she had to divert and find a new career path.

Sarama’s dad was a painter, and she had always loved art, so even though she did not consider it before, she began to explore the possibility of becoming a full-time artist.

Sarama’s natural artistic talent is obvious in her eye-catching work, which primarily captures Dominica’s outstanding natural beauty and the breath-taking mystery of the human form.

In 2021, Yello asked Sarama to tell us more about her life as a Caribbean artist.

Describe yourself in one sentence.

I’m an easy-going, down to earth person, who is a lover of all things creative and always tries to look on the positive side of things. 

Please tell us about your childhood.

I grew up in a family of eight, so there was never a dull moment!

I’ve always loved my big family and all the fun chaos that comes with it. I believe that it’s given me a wide range of interests since I took a little of something from each family member. On top of that, I often had cousins who were always around, and almost every day was filled with excitement.

I’ve lived in Goodwill, Copthall, Roseau, and more recently Elmshall and Bath Estate. Each location now feels like a different chapter in my life.

I attended Convent Preparatory School, went on to Convent High School and later studied medicine (up to MD 5) at All Saints University. However, due to some circumstances, I was unable to complete my medical studies and have since had a different vision for my life.

Were you always into art and drawing?

Art always came naturally to me. As long as I can remember, I have always loved to draw and do other forms of art.

I repeatedly drew in the back of my notebooks throughout school, even while class went on. I would get a rush of excitement whenever I saw stacks of printer paper!

Perhaps my love for art stemmed from looking at my father’s paintings. He was a talented artist in his youth. I remember looking at his paintings in amazement, wondering how he was able to do them so well.

He often encouraged me to paint and pushed me toward my first painting when I was about nine years old, although I didn’t keep at it. He also took me to many exhibitions where we would discuss the works of artists which contributed to my growing love for art.

I would continue to draw and eventually explored the world of digital art when I got my first iPad. I grew to love digital art and kept at it throughout medical school and after. While I didn’t create paintings, I always loved them. However, after Hurricane Maria, I dived deeper into the world of painting.

What were your initial career plans?

Initially, becoming an artist was not even a thought in my mind because I didn’t see it as a valid career choice. In high school, I actually wanted to become a fashion designer, however, that thought quickly faded away.

By the time I was 17, I had decided to become a dentist but then that changed to becoming a doctor. So, I enrolled at All Saints University.

I never studied so hard in my life, and I enjoyed learning about the human body and all its processes. It was also amazing, during my medical observership in MD 5, seeing in person all that I had learned in theory. Not to mention learning under notable doctors in Dominica and seeing them in action on the other side of the screen – an unforgettable experience.

At first, it was very disappointing not to be able to complete my medical studies, but now I believe that everything happens for a reason.

Now, being an artist, I feel more myself than ever before.

How has your art career been developing?

As a full-time artist, it has certainly been a journey of challenges, growth, and lots of patience. Gradually, I have improved my skills, techniques, and understanding while becoming more and more confident in myself.

Likewise, as I grow, I have noticed an increase in recognition for me as an artist and my abilities, and many have encouraged me to continue and wish greatness for me.

Much of my progress has resulted from being a member of the Waitukubuli Artist Association (WAA) which I joined shortly after I began painting. The association has given me regular inspiration, support, and motivation, and also valuable tips and hands-on learning experiences from murals and other projects.

What is your creative process?

My creative process usually begins with brainstorming ideas.

At first, I think of the purpose or general idea of my next piece and simply jot down words and/or phrases that represent that idea. Then I browse for reference photos or draw inspiration from other works of art. By this time, a vague image usually appears in my mind’s eye.

My next step is to get that image out, which may be on paper, or more often on my iPad. It takes a few tries before it feels right.

Once I’m satisfied, I put it onto my canvas and work my way towards completion and the feeling of satisfaction. This part takes me the most time and might even change from the initial sketch or idea. What’s most important to me is getting the feeling of ‘yes, this is it!’.

How would you describe your artistic style?

My artistic style is most often realism. I love traditional realism, hyperrealism, and other types of realism, where the scenes are relatable and beautifully portrayed by the artist.

At the same time, I also love surrealism, pop art, and some abstract art, although I find those more challenging when I do them.

Personally, I am more likely to do works of natural scenery, with or without people or animals. However, I like mixing things up and might sometimes even surprise myself.

Another thing when it comes to my style is that it is often vividly coloured and smoothly blended, but I love impressionistic work, and hope to do such works in the future.

What mediums do you enjoy working with?

Currently, I mostly work with acrylics. What I love most about acrylic paint is that it dries quickly, therefore I can do multiple layers. I also feel more freedom to try things, knowing that I can easily paint over it, or if I’m perplexed, change a painting altogether.

In the past I have used oil paints, which I especially loved since it was so easy to blend, but because of the slow drying time I switched to acrylics for quicker production.

I’ve also experimented with watercolour paint, and really love the effects and look of it, though it is certainly more of a challenge for me.

Like I said previously, I took up digital painting earlier in my youth and have continued to do it even today, and plan to do even more going forward.

Sculpture is something I am also very interested in. Recently, with the Dominica sign on the Roseau Bay Front, I got a chance to do some major carving and fell in love with it.

I would like to try as many things in the world of art as I can.

What do you like to paint the most?

I draw the most inspiration from nature and the human body. With nature being so colourful and diverse, there are always so many options, and it is usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a new piece, be it a waterfall, a sunset beach, a scene with mountains or animals.

Also, the human body is so beautifully designed and can convey so much through expression, position, movement, and interaction.

One of the things I drew most in the back of my exercise books was eyes. It is said that ‘the eyes are the window to the soul’ and maybe that’s why – they alone can say so much. However, I appreciate every body part and hope to get better at drawing and painting them. 

What is your proudest career achievement so far?

My proudest career achievement is the painting ‘Maria Danced’ (see image below). So many things about that painting show how I have improved over the years, including perspective, lighting, and concept.

It is my favourite painting and has been very well received by people who have seen it. It has also been considered for a feature in a virtual ‘Climate Change’ photography exhibition held by the OECS as well as the Acalabash Poetry Portfolio-2 (curated by St Lucian poet John Robert Lee).

It feels good to know that I created something so powerful and impactful. That makes me proud.

What are your career plans over the next 12-18 months?

Over the next 12 to 18 months, I aim to continue strengthening my style, technique, and understanding, in order to quickly produce as many powerful and impactful paintings as I can in a shorter time frame.

I have a habit of overthinking things and can be a bit of a perfectionist, so now I’m trying to be freer with my work. As I do this, I hope to gain more exposure and recognition, and hopefully get more opportunities and be part of more exhibitions.

Which local / regional / international artists do you admire?

When I was young, I always admired the works of Earl Etienne. At exhibitions, I would always look out for his work in particular and loved his style of painting.

After joining WAA, and meeting other artists, some which stand out to me include Lowell OMtNI Royer, Aaron Hamilton, 27Emptybrushes and more recently Jenae Bell.

Two of the artists in the Caribbean that I have been following include Jonathan Gladding and Eladio Garcia.

Internationally, I have been following the works of Mural Joe, Kevin Hill, Layne Johnson, Anastasia Truvosa, Emmanuel G. Boateng and many others on social media.

What are your thoughts on the local and regional art scene?

Through social media, I have seen the works of many great Caribbean artists and what I love most about Caribbean art is the diversity. It has a mixture of African, French, Spanish, Amerindian and even American culture. Perhaps that is why many visitors often look forward to purchasing Caribbean art.

Since joining WAA, I also realised that there are quite a few talented artists here in Dominica, each with their own style. Prior to exhibitions in WAA, we often critique each other’s work, which I believe helps each of us improve and deepen our understanding.

In terms of selling art in Dominica, I think the most important thing is to understand the market. In a population of 70,000, with a small tourism industry as well, it can be challenging at times. Many will like the painting, or even love them, but often can’t afford them or put off purchasing them to do more important things.

Also, at art exhibitions, we often see the same faces, although good advertising and location seems to make a difference. For instance, when WAA held its first WhoOosh Exhibition there was a large crowd and lots of supporters came out.

Overall, people do appreciate and purchase art when they really love a piece and are drawn to it.

What do you love about Dominica?

What I love about Dominica is that it is peaceful and full of nature.

I’ve heard some foreigners say too much green can make them sick. But I never tire of seeing the many mountains of Dominica. In fact, it’s very soothing to me, and I often use them to meditate.

We have so many beautiful sites on this tiny island. I feel blessed to have been born here. I also love our culture, our food and Carnival. While there are many places I’d like to travel to, I know there’s no place like home.

Where do you go to relax?

I feel most relaxed in the heights of Dominica, where the air is cool and crisp and, the views give me chills. Going to a hot water spa also does the trick.

What advice do you have for aspiring Caribbean artists?

I would say that the first thing to do is to start with what you have and where you are. Seek out advice from other artists, but internalise the ideas, and then do what your soul tells you to. Always research and be willing to learn.

Also, it’s important to always have faith in yourself and have patience. Trust the process. Being an artist is sometimes regarded as ‘just a hobby’, but it is far more powerful and important. If anyone feels that they should be doing art, they should.

What is your motto / philosophy to life?

My motto in life is that anything is possible. I believe in dreaming big, believing even in the seemingly impossible, against all odds. History has shown us that, at some point, many things that were once impossible became possible. Why then should we ever limit our beliefs?

We need to always keep positive and trust our internal compass. Success isn’t a straight path, but with faith and persistence, we can get there.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Why?

If I could have any superpower, it would be super learning. In order to implement anything, we must first learn it. With super learning I would acquire as much knowledge about everything as I possibly could.

Knowledge is needed for understanding and with that comes great power.

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You can see more of Sarama Rolle’s digital art on Instagram.