MONTEGO BAY, St James — From his days of drawing on walls as a child, 30-year-old Johnnoy Smith had always known that he expresses himself through art.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer recently, Smith stated that he was first introduced to art 25 years ago as a boy growing up in Hanover, through the influences of his family. He explained that he would draw on anything he could find, as his family could not afford to gift him art supplies.

“Art is a family thing. I have a family history of artists so I started art at five and I realised that over time, is it something that I love and have a passion for. I drew a lot on my clothes and walls because art resources are very expensive and as Jamaicans, art is a part of our culture so I loved it,” Smith said.

Smith’s love for drawing later graduated to painting when he enrolled at the Westmoreland-based Godfrey Stewart High School where he participated in every art competition held on the school grounds. During his time at high school, Smith told the Sunday Observer, that he met a teacher who poured into his passion for the art. Smith said that the teacher helped build his confidence and love for the various elements of visual arts.

“I was very dominant at high school because it is not like I went there and learned it. I was already doing art for different organisations and people. I helped a company to draw a map for some work they were doing when I was only 10 years old, so when I went to school, it was already in me,” Smith explained.

“One of my teachers, David Pinto, I’ll never forget him – he was a Cuban artist, he saw the potential in me and helped me to develop myself. He was able to help me with resources until I could work and start providing my resources,” he added.

Though he did not continue a tertiary education in visual arts, Smith told the Sunday Observer that he continued to hone his craft over years through consistent practice. He further noted that after leaving high school, he started to do some work at the Social Development Commission (SDC) where he got the opportunity to showcase his paintings.

“I have been on tour with SDC where I was able to show my work and I also went to the World Skills Jamaica in the semi-finals where I competed for Westmoreland,” said a proud Smith.

The artist said he has also assisted students from various schools in the western region with their art projects and skills through tutoring sessions, but he is ready for bigger opportunities to show his talent.

“I have been trying to put myself in a position where I can also go to an international school of arts so I can even take my skill to a whole different level and get a whole different exposure. Our culture here in Jamaica is very unique and I realised that many people gravitate to our culture because the pieces that I produce, and the response that I get back is incredible,” Smith told the Sunday Observer.

“I have sold a couple of art over the years at an. I remember the reception I got for the first piece that I sold, so I’m trying to see if I can put myself out there more,” he continued.

While speaking positively over his passion for the visual arts, Smith told the Sunday Observer that he has big dreams of becoming a well-known Jamaican artist in the future. He quickly added that he believes this will soon become his reality as he works hard at learning and perfecting his craft.

“I want to see myself become a renowned artist and based on my talks with renowned artists plus my experience, I know that I am in line for that – I am not far away so I just need to continue working hard,” he said confidently.

However, Smith bemoaned that a lack of opportunities has hindered the work of many Jamaican artists like himself who are trying to make it big in the industry.

“I think Jamaica needs to open a way for our young people to strive because as an artist, I see so many potentials in our people that we overlook. Jamaicans are some of the most creative people…we have raw talent and sometimes it isn’t until an individual goes to the international level that we want to recognise them,” he said.

Smith continued,” It is something that I have seen and I said that I want to create awareness not only for myself but other upcoming artists. During my tutoring sessions, I realised that this may be able to open doors for other people who are struggling and that was one of my concerns. We need to invest in our people more because based on my teacher David Pinto, Cuba invests in their people as much as possible.”

Acknowledging that he, too, has got some assistance to show his talent, Smith pointed out that more opportunities were needed to push the work of local artists.

“You get recognition to some extent, but there’s so much more to be done and it’s like it can drive you crazy as an artist. When you were born to do something it is really hard for you to just give up, so every week I say to myself that I should produce at least one piece at a time, because little progress is better than no progress,” he said.