The Future is Bright with Safiya HOYTE

Safiya Hoyte is a 20-year-old semi-abstract artist based in Trinidad & Tobago. She primarily works with acrylic paints as well as 3-dimensional clay sculptures. Her artwork revolves around her life experiences, as well as her views on society and its proponents.

Hoyte studied at the Bishop Anstey High School, P.O.S where she pursued Art and Humanity studies. Art has always been a fundamental part of her life as she was introduced to the subject at a young age through her father and mentor, Fitzroy Hoyte.

Hoyte sees art as a platform, which can be used to connect, communicate with, and initiate change amongst individuals on a psychological level. 

Currently, she is preparing to begin her studies in Studio Art and Art Therapy, which she believes, would enable her to achieve her life’s purpose, while also contributing to the development of her country, the Caribbean region and beyond.

Culturego Magazine had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Safiya, at the launch of her ongoing exhibition “ THINK “ (until 08 JULY 2019). Her work is displayed alongside the work of a number of established artists (LeRoy Clarke, Sundiata, Jackie Hinkson, Brianna McCarthy, Beverly Fitzwilliam-Harries, Ray Traboulay…) who have all generously donated their work to support Safiya’s studies at the Savannah College of Art & Design, this September. 

We wish her immense success and a bright journey ! You can support Safiya by purchasing some Art or through Donations on her Gofundme page:  #SendSafitoSCAD

INTERVIEW

Culturego Magazine: What are you most excited about in heading to SCAD?

Safiya Hoyte: Firstly,  I am most excited about being in a school that is Art-centered. I’ve never really liked the concept of school before, but just being able to gain knowledge of art and constantly doing what I love every day for the next four years at a multi-disciplinary institution like SCAD is exciting. The atmosphere at SCAD is not only modern and aesthetically pleasing but offers well-equipped classrooms, workrooms and of course their captivating galleries and museums. 

When did you know that you wanted to really pursue Visual Arts as a career? And did your identity as a “daughter of” influence that choice or not?

I’ve been exposed to and exploring art for the vast majority of my life, however, within my last years in Sixth form at Bishop Anstey High School, Art became the ideal career path for me to pursue. Through the demand for me to continuously produce work at an apex standard for my A-level exams, though nerve-wracking at the seams, simultaneously it provided me with a sense of confidence, satisfaction and longing to create more. 

Art gives my life purpose, as it allows me to utilize my talents career-wise, to support myself within society. I would also say that my background, being the daughter of Fitzroy Hoyte (Visual Artist), has also contributed to this. Having a parent to support and understand what it’s like to venture into an “unconventional” career path has provided me with vast amounts of assurance… I feel that it is indeed achievable for me to become a successful Visual Artist.

Are there specific themes that have always resonated with you, and that you would like to explore ? 

I’m extremely obsessed with the concept of human interaction overall and it does manifest itself throughout my work. As I continue to explore the range of my artistic style, Society, as well as social events, play an important role in what I choose to depict. As a female artist, I also find myself referencing the female form and its connections to the strength, beauty and empowerment of women. My work usually always ties back to perception and how we, not only as creatives but as individuals internalize thoughts, situations and experiences around us. In the future, I can see myself focusing primarily on more thought-provoking pieces as my work would lend itself as a commentary on current events occurring both in public and in private. Art is essentially the link between myself and society it allows me to physically manifest my thoughts in a contradictory and purposefully thought-provoking manner. 

What is your vision for the future of Caribbean Art ?

My vision for Caribbean Art is one of hope and great promise, due to the fact that I believe Art is an ever occurring and powerful mechanism. Many of us fail to realize this. I would especially like to see more collaborations and interactions between young and upcoming Artists/ Creatives such as myself,  alongside the older established creatives. 

I think it is pertinent for us as a society to share our platforms and learn from each other, as opposed to wasting our energy comparing and criticizing each other’s craft. Through collaboration, more ideas, knowledge and development would be transferred among individuals, while simultaneously developing the span our Trinbagonian Creative sector overall.

Do you have a few words for young Caribbean creatives like yourself ?

Never give up on your dreams or passion. Be open to criticism because you’re gonna receive it whether you asked or not. There will be times when you question yourself and your capabilities on what you can do or achieve…. But never limit yourself where your future is concerned. Planning I would say is fundamental especially when you give yourself options so if one doesn’t work out, you have other things to cushion you. In terms of purpose, you shouldn’t pressure yourself to identify your purpose if you aren’t sure what it is. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy and continue exploring creative pathways and activities that you love and know this sounds cliché but it will find you. 

Get in contact with the artist!  Instagram: @shoyteart / Email: shoyteart@gmail.com