Che Caines: The Artist Behind Premier’s Portrait
A portrait of former Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, painted by Bermudian artist Che Caines, was unveiled at the Cabinet Office on Friday [Mar 20] joining those of his predecessors.
Che Caines is an artist and a qualifying architect who has been the artist for numerous portraits, the latest of which is Dr. Brown’s.
“We just unveiled the painting in the Cabinet Office”, Mr Caines told Bernews on Friday. “Everyone was astounded which is a good feeling as an artist and someone that’s trying to create a picture from a picture through paint and vision.
Mr. Caines added, “Dr. Ewart Brown was looking for an artist to do the portrait. He wasn’t impressed with the existing artist that has done all the other portraits.
“Just out of luck, we was able to meet up and I had to show him some of my work. He was impressed and he gave me a shot to do this portrait. The first one, was unfortunately, a little bit too big. We carried on. He didn’t lose hope. We created another portrait which was fairly smaller which was the one that was unveiled today.
“I feel very confident with my work. I feel that it’s going well. I just want to pursue this. I want to pursue architecture. My greatest goal is just to be successful in what I do.”
When asked if the artist followed the traditional concept as other artists of premier’s portraits, Mr Caines said, “No. If I followed the traditional way, it would have been pointless in him asking me to paint it because he wasn’t very pleased with the traditional way of former artists.
“I believe it’s just one artist that painted the majority of the paintings in the Cabinet office. My artwork speaks… I try my best to create a photo-realistic image of portrait. I just don’t do portrait, I do sculpting, I do chalk, hand-drawing. Also, I do architecture. I’m just trying to do what I can when I can. I’m just trying to make the best out of it.
When asked is he finding enough time to do his art along with his architectural endeavours, Mr Caines said, “Right now, I’m juggling a lot of balls because I’m in between a break of university. I started architecture in London and right now, I’m just doing an apprentice.
“In between that, after work, I’ll come in and paint and do the art so … I mean, I’m quite busy. I get a lot of emails, a lot of people asking for portraits. I have to organize my time. Some people are on the waiting list for almost a year. But, Ewart Brown was able to catch me at a good time and I was free. I was still in school but I was managing to do his picture in and out of school.
Interested persons can reach Mr Caines through various platforms of social media Facebook [Che Caines] or email crcaines@yahoo.com.
Very good portrait!
I must say, however, the comment regarding the previous artist is very rude. You as an artist should know that the previous artist (whom I’m trying to find out is) put just as much effort as you into the paintings.
You should support your fellow artists and not use your moment to bring them down with such a comment. Let Ewart Brown be the one to say it himself if he does not like the work of the previous artist; you shouldn’t acknowledge it.
He was just repeating what Dr Brown said to him. Dr Brown didn’t want his portrait took look like the others – he wanted his to have more life. That’s the reason he picked this artist from all the others he could have picked from.
Good job young man and Bermuda is PROUD of you, regardless of what people say or do, speak the Truth and stay True to your convictions.
Just like Arron Hill there are people who feel intimidated when young Black men excel and have a positive attitude, they’ve been used to seeing the negative outlook of our young men, its seems like a culture shock to them.
And its natural for you to be an architect, you ancestors built the Pyramids.
Stay focused its a dog eat dog world out there.
Your ancestors
Congratulations Congratulations
Congratulations
Mr. Caines I am so pleased at the excellent work you did. I am very happy for your success and wish you all the best in the future. My heart is always heavy when I witness young people like yourself climbing mountains to success.
Stand Proud and continue to push on to fulfill all your dreams.
You are a brilliant star !!
Indeed Mockingjay, a young black man who is exceling and who has a positive attitude. You should give that a go sometime
Exactly.
I guess you cant handle when I speak without apology, thats the problem with small Island syndrome.
I refuse to water down the subliminal problems we have here, Johnny Barns is doing a good job on that.
what are you going on about, halfwit?
Easy there Kunta.
What are you reading? He said that is what Dr Brown said, he did not echo his own words.
Good job Che, but I hope your portrait is the last one for a while. Both the Mayor and Premier should suspend paintings in favor of framing photographs. We could do with saving $10,000 per portrait.
Again Che an excellent job! Congratulations was passed via your Mom on FB over the weekend. Parents have much to be proud of. Stay focused on your goal and you will be successful. Truly a gift from God.
Thank you all for the kind compliments and to those with their own opinions and views to the situation.
@questionable I was not insulting any artist as I support others whether that be in Art or just trying to succeed in what they do. I respect your point but I was just answering the questions provided. And my answer was formulated from what my client wanted and expected from the piece. Other than that i hope you have a great day.
Thanks
Che Caines
With that attitude you’ll go LONG way
Yes Che, with your attitude you will go a long way. Thankfully you don’t act and think with the mental handcuffs that restrain Mockingjay each and every day.
Great portrait and great attitude. You will go a long way. But something tells me you already know that.
Che, you got the job because Dr Brown’s first choice ( a Jamaican national ) had lost his sight. Do not lose sight of the FACT he Dr. Brown would have hired a foreigner over you. ( he said that himself in his eloquent speech at the unveiling). If I need a portrait done I would hire you before looking outside of Bermuda. Your work is excellent!
Do you have proof
Poor you Rasta! I was searching for a known,experienced portrait artist. The Jamaican artist I chose has done more portraits of political leaders than anyone else in the region. Despite this, I was not satisfied and decided to continue my search. Che Caines, whose name never arose in Bermuda when I was looking, made contact with me and asked for an opportunity. He got it and hit a home run. Your effort to separate me and my effort from Che is a reflection of a deep-seated sickness that has no place in our salute to Mr. Caines.
I guess he told you Rasta…..I mean bald head.
Honourable? lol
Congratulations, Che. Your portrait of Dr. Brown is an amazing likeness and reflects your prodigious talent as an artist. I have seen many of your graphite and pen and ink drawings and am astounded by your refined hand and sensitive rendering of your subjects. I know you will have a brilliant career in either architecture or art, or both. Wishing you much success and many blessings.
Good Job sir, one thing i’m sure you have already figured out living in our wonderful, non judgemental island.. no matter how good, how unique, how harmless an interview is….people will always try and find a way to water down or degrade your success. Its one thing we as a people have perfected….being negative that is. Take all the good comments and disregard the rest that attempt to infect your spirit with their negative mindset. I hope you continue to use your gift as you do to bless others. peace
Many congratulations Che, wonderful job.
I’m sorry that the comments thread has been derailed into a political tit for tat.
Keep at it my friend.
Welcome to Bermuda.
Stories such as this make me so proud to be Bermudian! Congratulations to the artist and his parents they must be proud. Thank you Dr. Brown for giving this young BERMUDIAN talent a shot.