Student Testimonials
Nassau
"To say the least' everything moved me during the residency. The collaboration between Turtle Island and the Islands of the Bahamas was important in bringing forth change. This opportunity to hear and share discussions regarding land, cultures, and our home. Additionally, to make a difference within ourselves and prompt opportunities for change within our intuitions. The chance to continue to decolonize myself and bring awareness to important issues that moved me. In having the privilege of working with such outstanding individuals and having the welcoming energy and spirit of the Bahamians. They not only made us feel safe but a part of their community. Finally, another thing that moved me was the abundance of soothing water and nature." - Emma Martin
"Working alongside the OCAD U artists and Bahamian artists every day created a special web of interrelationships. I was thankful for the presence of the Indigenous elder Liz and Anishinaabe artist Nadia. Their support and teachings throughout the residency brought me comfort and helped me to feel grounded. I was happy that the Page 3 Bahamian students were able to share in some of my cultural teachings as well. Learning from one another, exchanging cultural methodologies of existing, and coming together in community was inspirational." - Roberta Pringle
"This trip has given me an opportunity to absorb, relate and reflect on the last five hundred years of Bahamas and its myriad representations, as seen in the works of Bahamian artists. I have learned so much and I can relate to so much here. There are things from my homeland I see here. There are Tamarind trees, Gulmohar trees (Delonix Regia) of which I have played under as a kid in Mysore, India. I grew up with a Gulmohar tree right outside my house. We have been exposed to so many textures, colours, flora and fauna, artworks in the residency. Either there were direct translations of daily life, flora fauna of the islands getting translated into the art work or it was life of people and protest art finding its voice through art." - Anantha Chickanayakanahalli
"In regards to the Sacred Spaces art installation by Antonious Roberts at Cliffton Heritage Park, I personally felt very impacted by this site and the sculptures that Antonius Roberts had created in this space. I felt a wave of various emotions, from gratitude, to respect, to sadness, and nostalgia. I felt as though I could feel the weight of the air differently in that area, and it remains one of my most cherished experiences from the trip." - AY Johnson-Olanrewaju
Toronto
"During my time spent in Toronto, Canada, I’ve absorbed so much. I’ve participated in a different culture, met and learned about many artists, and visited a variety of art spaces...for instance, At the AGO, we had a private session where we looked at photos of old Nassau, Bahamas. It was captivating to see Nassau before now...I’m glad that I was a part of this life-changing opportunity. And I’ve been truly inspired, can’t wait to see what’s coming next, and can’t wait to do it again." - Marknesha Bastian
"The overall experience is hard to sum up, but to encapsulate everything into words, I’d use astounding, educational, memorable, and grateful. It was astounding to travel to another country and experience so many things that were new but also somehow familiar. Exploring galleries, seeing different artists works, and creating my own in the studio that I’ll be visiting frequently in the upcoming months. Educational in a literal sense where I not only was able to learn about different art forms but also learning about an entire culture. Being able to participate inperson with the indigenous elder Liz Osawamick’s led ceremonies, learning about their art, connectivity to nature and overall respect for its balance." - Rachel Pyfrom
"Monday at the Petroglyphs; this was touching because we got to delve into indigenous life and what they dealt with from uneducated colonizers attempting to police and erase their existence. The petroglyphs were in an enclosed sanctuary to help to preserve its longevity against the elements of nature. The hosts taught us about each figure depicted on the rocks and the important roles they play in their culture’s beliefs. They also were kind enough to offer us hand-made parting gifts of our choosing which added an extra level of welcoming...What I took away from this experience is something that I never knew I needed. The exposure to so much stories felt enlightening and gave us an idea about other artist’s lives and their motivations to consistently create. The time in the studio taught me that it’s okay to take my time on my own projects instead of worrying so much about if I view them as being finished or good enough." - Brent Fox
"The Toronto experience was life-changing, and an experience that I needed as a young artist to continue to grow. It was beautiful to experience Indigenous culture firsthand, while realizing that they have found the strength as a people to maintain their traditions and further their teachings despite the transgressions against them. I always enjoy seeing art, and the AGO did not disappoint- neither did OCAD, with their top-of-the-line facilities for creating. It was nice to briefly spend time in a space where queerness, inclusion and freedom was prioritized, and that expression was everywhere- in the different cultures displayed, and in the little communities where everyone could find a sense of home and familiarity" - Reagan Kemp
