Kai Watson has a penchant for the delicate, beautiful and expressive

"Vanda 1" 2012 Kai Watson

Kai Watson refuses to accept the notion of the "Starving artist" as, for him, the term represents a romanticizing of the struggle of freelance and the entrepreneurial efforts of artists. He prefers to say that he is still laying the foundation for his career and life.

Kai has a penchant for the delicate, beautiful, and expressive as exhibited in his latest predilections for topics relating to dance and orchids. He also appreciates what he describes as “the graceful power of athletes.”

 

"All is fair in the struggle" 2012 Kai Watson

 

When asked whether he would switch places with any of the subjects in his paintings, Kai told Cultural Voice that he was fond of “being in his own shoes,” and added that it was the uniqueness of the individual that was special in each work.

"Unbridled Joy" 2008 Kai Watson

 

Kai shares a rich history of artistry in his family lineage. His grandfather Barrington, who is considered to be one of the “Masters” of Jamaican painting, laid a solid foundation for the family. His father Basil is an accomplished sculptor and Kai’s greatest mentor. Kai shares that his father is quite connected to his work.

 

Three Generations of Watsons - Basil, Kai and Barrington Watson

 

For Kai, the majority of lessons passed on by his grandfather have come through either observation of his work, or, in conversations with him and he has taken away the notion that that there is a strong philosophical aspect to art and its creation that should not be ignored.

Both his father and grandfather stress the importance of seeing the "big picture" in terms of the composition of pieces. The big shapes first, then the subordinate shapes after that an artist can draw or paint the tiniest of detail.

 

"Untitled" In Progress - Kai Watson

 

Kai’s not sure why he decided to paint as opposed to sculpt or do photography. He can see himself exploring many of these other art forms in his future and believes that in the end that exploration will serve to inform his painting.

 

He leaves this piece of advice with other young artists - to find time to make art. “There will be a lot of distraction, both warranted and unwarranted, but, you have to find time to make art. Every piece is an investment in yourself.”