Freedom in every stroke: Artist inspires new voices of Barbados

As Barbados marks 59 years of Independence, Sherridean Carmichael’s message rises as an inspiring call to the nation — to create boldly, live freely, embrace purpose, and share the light within, one brushstroke, one poem, and one act of kindness at a time.

 

 

In a spirit of creativity, faith, and national renewal filling the Inspirational Fine Art Gallery, the artist, a multiple NIFCA award winner, hosted a deeply moving exhibition that brought together emerging talents and seasoned creators alike.

 

 

Carmichael, who is known for her bold, expressionistic work and as the youngest recipient of the Goddard Enterprises Purchase Award, has long used her art as a vessel for hope, healing and spiritual reflection. But this year, she says, the celebration takes on a deeper meaning.

 

 

“People need a space where they can relax, where they can be reminded that they are special, where they can be reminded that there is hope,” she told attendees. “But we as visual artists, we have this amazing ability that if you will take the step of faith, that the good things that are in us, the good things that we see through our eyes, we’re in a position to share.”

 

 

Her gallery — recognised as Barbados’ first and only faith-based art gallery — was born from what she describes as a God-inspired vision. What began as a prayer for her own studio space evolved into something larger: a haven for artists seeking growth, community, and spiritual grounding.

 

 

“When I had my first exhibition in 2023, I felt good; there were sales, a great turnout,” she reflected. “But then I heard in my spirit, ‘This room is not for you alone’, and that is when the idea was birthed to invite artists who want to bloom, grow, glorify God, and create a space where we encourage each other.”

 

 

That message of shared purpose is one she believes resonates deeply during Independence season. “Freedom is not just about the absence of restraint,” she said. “It is the freedom to be you — to express, to heal, to create, to try something new without fear of people’s opinions.”

 

 

As the group reflected on what symbolised “freedom”, answers ranged from birds and wind to open space. Carmichael shared her own childhood dream of flying, describing it as an early reminder of the boundless promise God gives.

 

 

“Even when the rain falls, you hear the birds still singing,” she said. “God is reminding us through nature that we were born to be free.”

 

 

Her commitment to nurturing others goes beyond encouragement. Through her organisation, Creative Art Well, she mentors young artists and those rediscovering dormant talents.

 

 

One participant, touched by Carmichael’s guidance, phoned her recently in tears to express her gratitude. “She said I gave her hope and possibilities,” Carmichael recalled. “And all I could do was thank God.”

 

 

In a moment that captured the heart of the evening, Carmichael shared a poem she wrote in her room — her sanctuary of creation, prayer and teaching. The piece, titled In My Room, speaks of gratitude, inspiration, and miracles unfolding in quiet spaces. Many attendees suggested it be played during the exhibition for all to reflect upon.

 

 

As the night unfolded, young and emerging artists were encouraged to step forward, speak, and share their creative journeys. One attendee, Khalani Ward, admitted she had struggled to return to painting but found renewed confidence through the experience. Others said the environment gave them space to breathe, start again, and imagine new possibilities.

 

 

Carmichael says this is exactly what she hopes her gallery will continue to offer — especially during a milestone like Independence.

 

 

Barbados at 59 is still evolving, still growing, and Carmichael agrees. “So are our artists. We all have something inside of us waiting to emerge.”

 

 

For her, this exhibition is more than an art showing — it is a national and spiritual reminder.

 

 

“Possibility only exists with attempts,” she repeated to the room. “Don’t let this year end the same as the last. If there’s something inside you, tap into it. If you need help, that is my specialty.”

 

 

The Inspirational Fine Art Gallery, located upstairs in Sugar Cane Mall on Roebuck Street, allows this spirit to unfold. The exhibition, which runs until December 19, showcases the work of debuting artists Amanda Escamilla,

 

Ashleigh Williams, Patricia Cadogan, Nicolette Gibbons, Jeriah Walcott, Carol-Ann Mason, Khalani Ward and Fran Downey-Smith, along with Carmichael — each contributing their unique voice to a shared creative story.

(LE)