This Is My Island In The Sun...
Artist’s Statement appears below the image block.
Artist’s Statement
Everyone thinks “Caribbean” and immediately pictures tropical colour—palm trees, beaches, a lounger by the pool with a bright drink and a tiny umbrella.
That’s not my work.
On an island just 166 square miles with more than a quarter-million people, it might be hard to believe there are still wild places. But they exist—coastlines too rough for swimming, roads where no cars pass, paths untouched by tourism or the churn of daily commerce. The parts of Barbados you’ll never find on a postcard saying, “Wish you were here!”
Far from the pool.
Far from the umbrella drink.
My love for black-and-white photography goes back to high school, when we were left to figure out developing and printing on our own. Pre-internet, that meant stacks of library books and countless hours in the school darkroom learning by trial and (mostly) error. I was hooked from the moment I watched an image rise through the developer tray. I still think young photographers today miss out on that magic.
It’s my honour and privilege to show you my island in ways you won’t see in a brochure—and in ways you might not even see if you visit.
I hope what you find here surprises you.
I hope it stays with you.
—Leslie St. John
