Music.Art.Life.
Roots: My Story To Tell
Welcome to the Artistic Journey of
Heston Francis
Born on the tiny island of Dominica, internationally celebrated songwriter and recording artist - Heston - grew up admiring the dance moves of Michael Jackson, fell in love with the tone of Al Green's voice, and watched in awe as sea men made wooden boats behind his childhood home.
Creativity has always been at the center of Heston’s world, propelling him forward into music and song writing. Heston has toured the world as a performing artist, releasing five celebrated R&B soul albums and ranking on Billboard/SoundScan R&B top 100 artists. His single “Dear God”, from his latest album TRANSPARENCY, charted #8 on the iTunes World Music Charts. As of 2021, he ranks #58 on ranker.com's top 100 Best Neo Soul Artists of all time.
In 2020, amid the global COVID pandemic, Heston found solace and inspiration in visual arts. With a modest investment in a starter kit and a used canvas, he embarked on a transformative journey, evolving into a compelling visual artist.
The Coal Pot
The Artist reminisces about the days when his Granny cooked on the Coal Pot without using packaged seasoning, opting instead for fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices from the garden beds built by his grandfather. These meals hold special significance for the Artist, reflecting some of the most delightful culinary experiences in his life. The artwork focuses on the Coal Pot, a common outdoor cooking tool in the Caribbean, typically made from cast iron or clay and roughly a foot in diameter. Its small size made it an economical choice due to its minimal coal requirement.
The smoke from the coals imparted a unique, smoky flavor highly appreciated by locals. Thirty years later, the Artist vividly remembers sitting with his Granny in her compact, mud-floor outdoor kitchen, measuring less than 80 square feet, as she prepared dishes featuring green banana, yam, okra, green onions, scotch bonnet peppers, cassava, and fresh fish from a fishing trip. His mouth would water as he patiently waited for her to serve him a plate from her Coal Pot.
By The Bay
As a young boy, the Artist remembers jumping into his Father's Defender with his family to travel to the fishing village of Scott’s Head, Dominica.
He vividly recalls days spent with his family in Scott's Head, where he watched fishermen build wooden boats on the beach, bending the wood, nailing them together, painting the fishing boats, and eventually pushing them into the water to go fishing, to provide for their families and community. This traditional way of life left a deep impression on the Artist and is reflected in his work.
Scott's Head, a scenic fishing village on the southwest coast of Dominica, holds a rich history shaped by the complexities of the Caribbean, including the impacts of slavery and colonialism. Originally inhabited by the Kalinago people, the village saw the arrival of European colonizers, primarily French and British, who established plantations and relied on enslaved African labor. The legacy of this history has contributed to the development of a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture in the area. Today, Scott's Head is a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a strong sense of community.
In a unique blend of music and visual art, the Artist's upcoming music album "Memesis," loosely translating to art imitating life, is directly tied to his work inspired by Scott's Head. The fishing boat "Memesis" featured in this artwork, serves as a bridge between his music and visual storytelling, symbolizing his ability to draw from personal perspectives and experiences to convey stories through multiple artistic mediums.
School Daze
Here the Artist further captures the theme of "art imitating life", where he draws upon his experiences and memories as a teenage schoolboy, partaking in the throws of first love and the simple joy of wandering through the Gardens, in Roseau, Dominica after school.
The park was a popular hangout for school children, as most schools were within walking distance from this particular park. The goal always was letting loose and having fun, while school children tried their best to maintain the integrity of the uniform, which held cultural and social significance in the Caribbean region.
School uniforms in the Caribbean reflected regional values of cleanliness, proper grooming, and respect for educational institutions. It also signified unity and equality, regardless of socioeconomic background or social status.
Each summer, the Artist remembers visiting the tailor with his mother to get measured for school uniforms and recalls the strong pride in wearing the uniform.
While this artwork portrays the innocence and adventure of young love, it also represents a deeper connection and a sense of belonging, pride, and respect for the uniform that shaped the Artist's formative years.
Blue Soap
The artwork "Blue Soap" takes us on a nostalgic journey back in time, depicting a typical day in Dominica, where women washed laundry and bathed in the rivers. The scene reflects the everyday life of the island, capturing the essence of tradition and simplicity.
The title, "Blue Soap," holds deep cultural and historical significance for the people of the Caribbean. In the past, blue soap was a household staple, widely used for cleaning and laundry, often carried out by the riverside. Made with indigo dye, blue soap bores a distinctive blue hue.
However, its importance transcends mere utility, as blue soap served as a symbol of resistance and rebellion during the slavery era. Enslaved people would use blue soap to convey secret messages to each other, inscribing hidden messages on various surfaces. In addition, blue soap was used in traditional Caribbean folk medicine and believed to have healing properties for skin conditions and other ailments.
Today, while the usage of blue soap has diminished in some Caribbean communities, its cultural significance is not forgotten. Instead, it is celebrated as a symbol of resilience, resistance, and heritage, honoring the regional legacy.
Sunrise at Granny's
The inspiration for "Sunrise at Granny's" comes from the artist's experiences and childhood memories of growing up on the picturesque island of Dominica. Reflecting on life in the Kalinago Territory, formerly known as the Carib Reserve, the artwork captures a day in the life within the Kalinago region.
The Kalinago Territory is a 3,700-acre district on Dominica's Atlantic coast and is home to the indigenous Kalinago people. It was established in 1903 by British colonial authorities in a remote part of the island. The Kalinago Territory is estimated to be around 3,000 Kalinago people. Legal residents share communal ownership of all land within the territory. A modern movement in the Kalinago Territory has supported the rediscovery and preservation of Kalinago culture.
The artist's grandmother, a central figure in the painting, represents not only his personal connection but also symbolizes the broader recognition and acknowledgment of the Kalinago people. With their presence across various Caribbean islands, including Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Grenada, Guyana, Suriname and Belize. The Kalinago people hold a significant place in the region's indigenous heritage.
Fête
The Artist invites us to experience the vibrant and captivating art of the Caribbean Carnival through this expressive fête. Journey through the diverse Caribbean destinations of Dominica, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada and the Bahamas, each offering a unique and enthralling Carnival experience. Delve into the intricate history of Carnival, intricately intertwined with the legacy of slavery in the Caribbean.
Witness the vivid expression of African traditions and the resilience of enslaved individuals, who utilized music, dance, and costumes to uphold their cultural heritage amidst adversity. Embrace the evolution of Carnival post-emancipation, as it blossomed into an integral part of island culture. Immerse yourself in the pulsating rhythms of calypso music, the resplendence of traditional costumes, and the exuberant street dances such as the Jab Jab. Celebrate the rich tapestry of Caribbean history, music, and creativity, ensuring that these traditions are preserved and passed down through the ages.
Lawyer, Doctor or an Engineer
A deep-rooted cultural emphasis on higher education, particularly in fields like law, medicine, and engineering, can be traced back to several factors, mainly colonial legacy.
The artwork portrays a parent diligently assisting their children with homework, illuminated by the soft glow of expensive kerosene lamps. This serves as a poignant symbol of the sacrifices made by parents to ensure their children's education and future.
During colonial times, education was viewed as the key to social mobility and economic advancement. Colonial powers emphasized education as a means to create a local elite to support their administrative and economic interests.
After gaining independence, many Caribbean nations placed a high priority on education to develop human capital and secure a more prosperous future. This led to significant investments in education infrastructure, and parents began to view education as a pathway to a better life for their children. As a result, there was a strong insistence on pursuing careers in fields like law, medicine, and engineering.
It's important to note that the Caribbean community has strong ties to African cultures, where education holds great value. The legacy of African diasporic values continues to influence Caribbean cultural priorities, stressing the importance of knowledge and community development. Additionally, there are significant populations of Indian and Chinese descendants in the Caribbean, who have also brought cultural values that emphasize education and hard work.
The migration of many Caribbean people to the US, UK, and other countries in search of better opportunities has further solidified the belief that education is crucial for securing a better future for themselves and their children.
Here, we are reminded of the enduring belief that education is crucial for securing a better future, a belief that has been passed down through generations and continues to shape the aspirations and priorities of the Caribbean community.
