Artistic inspiration began at an early age for Delia. Growing up in the island of Trinidad, a nature lover’s paradise, she continues to be influenced by aspects of the Trinbagonian culture.
She attended Holy Name Convent Secondary School where the importance of art was recognised and she was fortunate to be influenced by artist Irene Shaw-Cozier, who encouraged her to be confident in attempting three-dimensional work and not limit herself to the canvas. She began to delve more into expression and meaning in art.
Delia made a solid move from the Sciences to Fine Arts studies and pursued a Bachelor’s degree at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.
“Art frees my mind and allows my creativity to flow effortlessly. Through the inspirations of everyday life and my imagination, I feel as though I can access the wisdom of the whole universe.”
~ Delia
She also credits her mentor, Kenwyn Crichlow for his support and influence to stay steadily on her art journey’s path.
Delia has experimented with sculpting, painting and jewelry making. For her, it is about exploring different media, although she prefers to work with more natural materials.
Capoeira and its motions are also credited as impacting on her art and she notes that sculpting allows her to be more interactive.
Delia encourages others to fearlessly pursue their deepest desires. Drawing inspiration from the different energies of people, she hopes to promote positivity and make others feel good through her art. Without that energy, there is no true artist journey.
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How did you start creating jewelry and why stones and crystals?
I started creating jewelry after working part-time in a bead shop while finishing off my degree. Later on, when I became full-time in a corporate job, it was something I held on to because I did not have the time to set up and paint, but I slipped my jewelry tools and materials into my handbag and took it with me.
I started off with more affordable materials but I eventually incorporated stones and crystals in an effort to make more unique creations and more importantly, last a lifetime.
A crystal can be passed down through generations just like precious metals, and gain more value with time. And if that wasn’t enough, it is believed that they all carry with them their special energy. So crystals all the way! 😉
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Do you make jewelry full-time or part-time? What else do you do?
I’ve recently left my corporate job after working in it for 4 years (which was out of my field) due to lack of benefits and very uncertain short contracts that require you to reapply every 3 months. This week makes it a month since I stopped!
I’ve since enjoyed making jewelry a little more often as a hobby but my top priority is my art. I still like to think of my jewelry as a little piece of my art journey that the everyday person can share in as not everyone is interested in purchasing paintings.
As now a full-time artist, I work on my pieces most days in addition to volunteering very actively with the Women in Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago as the Public Relations Officer. Although it is a lot of work, it’s a way to keep updated with any and everything art-related throughout the country such as events, workshops, exhibitions and meetings.
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What inspired you to take the leap from hobby to business?
I’ve always dreamt of being an artist full-time and being able to make a living from something I am so passionate about.
From the time I got my first job, I’ve always had my goal set in working in or around the arts. It was just a matter of time before I got frustrated with the monotonous system and decide to take this risk.
I think a lot of generations before ours did not have the opportunity to take such a step, because it was a different time and they had a tough time making ends meet. I’d like to think that nowadays parents can encourage their kids to pursue more passionate jobs and maybe even start a business that’ll grow through future generations.
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What advice do you have for our readers who may want to start a creative business and share their craft with the world?
Find a network!
I wish someone had said that to me years ago when I was trying to figure out how to move from passion to business.
You may be afraid to take that leap but networking with persons in similar fields or those who have already “made it” can really give you the confidence, support and motivation to go for it! You would never know unless you give it a shot, and that’s better than living your entire life asking the question “What if?”
Of course, you need to be prepared to put in the hard work and maybe save enough capital or locate investors before you make a big step.
My mentor once asked, “What does ‘making a living’ mean to you?” He said that if it only means making money to get by then nothing else matters. But “living” or “life” constitutes many other aspects that bring us fulfilment and satisfaction.
Whatever you choose to do should put your creative energy to use.
My regular job made me feel like I was just existing while time flew by and I would much rather feel fulfilled, happy and successful.
Follow Delia on Instagram @designedbydelia
