Al Ebanks Reveals New Public Art Sculptures
You may have noticed two brand-new sculptures proudly stood on the roundabout nestled in between Lime Tree Bay and Governor’s Square. The sculptures have been created by one of Cayman’s top artists and founding member of the ‘Native Sons’ art collective. NGCI’s Kaitlyn Elphinstone sat down with Mr Al Ebanks this week to discuss his journey, art practice and latest public art sculptures, Together We Stand. If you don’t know Al’s work make sure to stop by the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) and visit the NGCI Permanent Collection display in the upper gallery to see some of his paintings or meander through the NGCI Sculpture Garden to view his 2015 rendition of Together We Stand.
NG: So, Al I read that you began painting seriously in 1989. Tell us a little bit about your journey as an artist.
AE: I remember painting all my life but in 1989 I was given an artist kit from my sister as a Christmas gift and started painting seriously. In 1999 I built my studio, my journey started as a full-time artist, I never worked a day in my life since that day [and] I’m enjoying the ride.
NG: How has your art practice changed over time?
AE: Over the years, art direction in Cayman has changed from hobby [artists] to having full time artists and galleries. Being part of the Native Sons, I have grown a lot not just working in my studio [but] doing workshops, teaching kids in the schools, selling my work in galleries in Cayman and , [it] is inspiring.
NG: How do you work? Describe your process?
AE: Working in my studio I don’t have a set format if I don’t have any commitment on a job I work freely each day, for some crazy reason I don’t know when my next dollar going to come, but I live a relatively happy life. Being a full-time artist in terms of making a living can be hard, I love what I do, I made the sacrifice and take it seriously, I would wish the same on others.
NG: Tell us about your new sculptural works – the process, the concept, the inspiration, etc.
AE: Over the pasted 20 years I/we saw the need to come together as Caymanian artists and our group Native Sons was born. I believe in unity and as we worked together I started a sculpture series called Together We Stand, individually we stand tall as a group we stand strong. I got to show this series over the years in public spaces, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, Pedro St. James, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, and I received a lot of encouragement and support in the Cayman Islands and all over the world. The new sculptures on the Lime Tree Bay roundabout are a great milestone in my journey as an artist. I was excited to be awarded the contract to work on the roundabout project by KRyS Global, as our vision were quite similar. These are my biggest sculptures to date. It was fitting to continue the series [Together We Stand] there, my modern depiction shows poured concrete figure-like standing forms with fragmented shadows. [They] are my symbols of unity, I wanted them to remain raw, to aged naturally. Thanks to Stanley Hill and team from Hill Construction, they did a great job, we are happy with the result, hope others are too, my journey continues.
NG: Tell us why public art is so important to communities?
AE: Just like having art in home and private collections, art in public places helps communities to come together in work and play it is exciting and visually stimulating. Being an artist is something special, you are free express yourself. To produce art its hard to please everyone, you got have thick skin and take responsibility.
NG: And finally, just for fun – what’s your favourite colour?
AE: Yellow makes me smile.
Al is a frequent attendee to NGCI Member Preview evenings – so be sure to sign up to become an NGCI Member to catch a first look at NGCI temporary exhibitions and for excellent opportunities to brush shoulders with our talented artists.
