At UWI Tavernelle did a certificate course in Visual Arts and, using her acquired skills from the program, she teamed up with Versatile Studios for a documentary called Nine Days. She used ten pieces of her work as talking points for issues that are usually swept under the carpet in this country after nine days of being on the lips of the john public. “We get worked up in this country about things and it usually fritters away because we have moved on to something new. Tavernelle, who tackles society’s issues in her artwork, does so, she said, to provoke change. Much like her documentary, in her piece Recession Reactions, she was able to encapsulate the Clico fiasco and its impact on individuals thereafter. “Art should act as a time capsule, reflecting what is happening now. It should reflect us as a people and inspire us to improve on these issues. Tavernelle, whose medium is acrylics, has already completed 22 paintings since leaving her job, and plans to exhibit soon. In the meantime, the twenty nine year old artist wants to next month pursue a Master’s degree in Art Management in the Netherlands. She believes that by furthering her managerial skills she will be able to escape the “struggling artist” syndrome that usually befalls many who dare make art their livelihood. “Artists struggle in Trinidad because we lack the business acumen to market our work properly. We are creating art but we are not selling it” Upon her return she plans to explore options as an art consultant for all forms of art in T&T. “I am on a journey still.... I want to be a successful living artist. I would love to have my own gallery to help up and coming artists which would also be my way of giving back.”
