IDB supports Belizean artists

We often hear of the Interamerican Development Bank funding projects in Belize, but did you know they also support local artists? The works of Pen Cayetano, Percival Cain, Benjamin Nicholas, Caroline Carr, Jerry Nisbet, Brad Stedman, Sean Taegar, Papo, Curl Gordon and others are on permanent display at the IDB offices at the Marina Towers. IDB representative Jose Teixiera says all twenty-six of the bank’s country offices purchase local and regional art as part of their ongoing collections. He says he is pleased with what they have acquired so far in Belize and is particularly impressed by the work of sculptor Curl Gordon. For his part Gordon says he is happy to have at least six of his pieces remain together in one location. News Five spoke with Jose Teixiera and Curl Gordon this morning.

Jose Airton Teixiera, IDB Representative

“When we arrived in Belize one of the first things we did was try to get some local artist. And we started to buy one here, an odd one there. Of course I didn’t know Belize or who the artists were, but with the assistance of some friends we just started and we are glad we came to have an interesting collection.

The way we acquired the big pieces you see here, we went to see him and he showed us the brute, just the wood, in its natural form and described what he planned to do with it. When he explained to me, I really liked what he was saying and I challenged him to put it for real.”

Curl Gordon, Sculptor

“I just form that picture in my mind and then I go from there. I have a sketchpad that I sketch out the formation of the clouds in various ways, you know, then I put it in the wood.

I would call my son and talk to him about it and explain you know. I would draw on it with chalk, show him my outline and explain to him my ideas. And he would say you know Dad that’s nice, just go ahead and do it. I know you can, things like that. He’s my support.”

Gordon has been sculpting in wood for twenty-three years. His pieces at the IDB office include “Creole Gial,” “Birth of an Angel,” “Heads of Agreement,” “Nature Boy” and his latest work “The Mermaid.”