There are various ways to give back to your community. Some do it through volunteering, while others may do it through mentoring. Three St. John 's-based artists decided that combining their artistic talents would be the best way to support artists and local charities in their community.
The charity-based community art project and apparel company is called Change NL. The artists behind this venture include James Lloyd Smith, Riley Whelan and Damien Fitzgerald. Smith, a portrait artist, will be participating in the unveiling of Change NL, including graphic designer Nathan Ennis and garment/dressmaker Scweta Mohan during an exhibition called the SS24 Collection on August 16.
Change NL’s mission is to raise money for local charities by using their artistic creativity to design merchandise. In addition, they aim to work with community members to raise awareness for local artists.
“We started this as our business venture; the artists we work with have their businesses that we are looking to elevate alongside us,” said Smith
For their inaugural SS24 collection, Smith, Ennis and Mohan will design three graphics that support mental health in the province. Twenty percent of all merchandise sold will go to the Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation, which provides free mental health therapy to youth under 35. Thirty percent of the money raised would be shared with artists for their shirts and eighty percent for their prints.
In addition to their primary focus, their work will include fundraising for local charity groups through park barbecues, bowling events, and other activities.
“We started this project because we needed to change something about ourselves,” said Smith. And we all wanted to be a part of something that helped us and our community."
Smith describes himself as a portrait artist because he loves drawing faces. If you are lucky enough to view one of his masterpieces at one of his exhibits, they take on a life of their own.
Smith was immediately drawn to the stories that lay trapped in the face of the human form. He describes drawing faces as an intimate process. Something as simple as a wrinkle tells a story that only his charcoal pencil can bring to life.
One of the most satisfying aspects of being an artist for Smith is capturing the subject's emotions and character in a piece of work. It's also gratifying when it's time to hand the artwork over to the subject of the work or family member, knowing it will be something they will treasure.
Smith says his favourite mediums for creating his art include charcoal and pastel. He says they give his face portraits a formal, respectful look.
“Being respectful when doing work for others is essential, so formality is the way to go. I like to strip back my portraits to a raw depiction of the person and their aura.”
At a July exhibit held at the Southern Shore Gallery in Ferryland, Smith showcased a four-year collection of his work, showing his maturity and progression as an artist.
“These are pieces that I have done from 2020-2024. It is the first time I have displayed multiple pieces in one place. It’s such an honour.”
The graphite/pastel drawing of Terry Fox taking his first step into St. John’s Harbour in 1980 to begin the first leg of The Marathon of Hope won Smith the 2024 Rooms Arts and Letters recognition.
Smith said Terry Fox was a beacon of hope, resilience, and strength. He said capturing his leg when he took his first step was important because it proved it was never too late to start.
“You will never be weak if you dare to do what’s right,” said Smith. Although Terry wasn’t the only one running, he was backed by millions of people worldwide who had the same hope that they would beat cancer with him. This piece is a testament to the power of community and the love we have to give.”
If you have any questions about James Lloyd Smith and Change NL artists check out their Instagram page.
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