Finding a Voice Through Art: The Story of Shawn Peters

For Trinidadian artist Shawn Peters, creativity was never a choice. It was simply part of his upbringing.

His earliest memories are filled with evenings spent watching his father, the first wood sculptor he ever knew, transform timber into works of art. As reggae music played in the background, father and son shared conversations about everything and nothing. Those quiet moments became the foundation of a lifelong artistic journey.

At the age of 18, inspired by a vivid dream of a sculpture he felt compelled to create, Peters began wood sculpting himself. What started as an instinctive response to a dream soon developed into a lifelong artistic practice.

A defining moment came when he met his first mentor, Makemba Kunle. Working alongside Kunle reminded him of those childhood evenings with his father. Beyond refining his sculptural skills, Kunle encouraged him to experiment with colour, opening the door to painting and expanding his creative language.

That growth eventually caught the attention of the late master Leroy Clarke.

The first time Clarke saw his work, he turned to Kunle and simply said, "He has the eye." Soon afterwards, Peters was invited to Clarke's studio, where another chapter of artistic growth began.

"I felt like I never knew what a real artist was until I met Makemba Kunle and Leroy Clarke," he recalls.

Under Clarke's guidance, Peters developed not only his technical abilities but also a deeper understanding of what it means to live as an artist. Those experiences strengthened his conviction that art was more than a career. It was his calling.

Redemption Song. 84"x60" Acrylic on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

Exploring the Human Experience

Peters' work explores the complexities of the human experience. Relationships, vulnerability, resilience, belief systems, social structures and the consequences of our decisions all serve as recurring themes throughout his practice.

Another significant influence came through the work of Trinidadian artist Ashraph, whose powerful political commentary inspired Peters to examine the Caribbean's changing political landscape and its effect on everyday life.

Although his visual language continues to evolve, from realistic sculpture to increasingly varied forms of expression, his purpose has remained constant.

"I've never tried to classify my style. It's always evolving, but what I try to communicate through the work remains consistent."

Purpose Above Perfection

Unlike many artists who identify a favourite masterpiece, Peters sees every work as part of a continuous journey.

Each sculpture and painting is created with intention. Once he believes a piece has fulfilled its purpose, his attention turns to the next challenge.

"I seldom complete something and stop to bask in the accomplishment. There's always an excitement to explore the next."

This constant pursuit is driven in part by an awareness of life's brevity, encouraging him to continue creating rather than dwelling on past achievements.

The Balance Between Intention and Interpretation

Peters recognises one of art's greatest paradoxes. While artists create with clear intentions, viewers inevitably interpret works through the lens of their own experiences.

Rather than resisting that reality, he embraces it.

He hopes people find something meaningful and enriching in his work, while believing it also has the power to inspire positive change. When someone understands a piece from his intended perspective, he considers it deeply rewarding.

Creating Within the Caribbean

One of Peters' greatest challenges has been answering the call to be an artist in a region where creative work is often viewed as a hobby rather than a profession. Despite this, his commitment remains unwavering.

There's Only One Mother Trinbago, a 36" x 48" wood sculpture mounted on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

His motivation comes from an inner determination to develop a visual language that reaches beyond decoration and encourages reflection, conversation and change.

Everything he creates is firmly rooted in the Caribbean.

"I make no apologies for who I am. A Caribbean man."

Peters believes the Caribbean was built by some of the most resilient, intelligent and determined people in history, and he sees himself as part of that legacy. While he welcomes audiences from beyond the region, he is not motivated by international recognition.

"My validation as an artist comes from within, firstly, and from my people. There is no greater reward than to serve your people and be acknowledged for it."

Looking Ahead

Peters is currently focusing on an ambitious twelve foot by five foot sculptural installation exploring ocean pollution across the Caribbean. Although he often develops between 35 and 40 works at the same time, he is challenging himself to concentrate on one major project at a time.

His work can be viewed through Horizons Art Gallery, Caribbean Brushstrokes and on Instagram at @i_of_d_storm

For Peters, every completed artwork is not the end of a journey but the beginning of another conversation. Through sculpture and painting, he continues to explore identity, humanity and the ever evolving story of the Caribbean.