The story of Andrew Knowles, a 12th grade student at St. Anne’s School, is a fascinating one about overcoming tremendous odds in life and being well on the road to a successful future. With the help of friends and mentors Andrew has survived the most difficult of circumstances. He and his mother and six siblings lived with their grandmother and when she became ill and was hospitalized they were left with their mother who he says “went from pillar to post” and abandoned then 7-year old Andrew and his siblings. The neighbours called Social Services and the seven children were placed in the Nazareth Centre for Children operated by the Roman Catholic Church. Andrew remained at that home from age 7-13 and then he was at the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home from age 13-16, followed by a short stay at Coleby House, which could not accommodate his desire to paint as they required their residents to work. So he had to leave the home and was homeless for a week or two, until he and his brother, Livingstone, were taken in by friends with whom they are living temporarily. Andrew is most grateful for this support. This is such a beautiful example of what it means to be our brothers’ keepers and how people with challenges can make it in life if they are given a hand up. Regrettably, one of Andrew’s brothers died and another is in prison. His two sisters live with their respective paternal grandmothers.
Andrew is also grateful to the sisters at the Benedictine Convent on Nassau Street where, as a small boy, he used to go to get something to eat, and was encouraged by the sisters to draw. About three or four years ago when he was living at the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home, the wife of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Bernadette Christie, visited the home and as she walked about and talked with the children Andrew told her of his desire to be an artist. Shortly thereafter she bought art supplies for Andrew and they have had a very close relationship since that time, with her referring to him as her son. Andrew painted a portrait of Mrs. Christie which hangs in her home.
I first encountered Andrew Knowles in 2014 when he was one of a number of young artists chosen by Penelope Nottage to exhibit their work at Doongalik Art Gallery for her birthday charity event. She contacted Andrew online to extend the invitation. I again ran into him earlier this year at Peter Bowe’s 85th birthday celebration, during which Andrew painted a portrait of Peter that he presented to him following the birthday cake cutting and other tributes to Peter.
Andrew was mentored in drawing by Canadian resident Kim Smith, a former teacher at St. Anne’s School and the proprietor of The Place For Art now located in the Doongalik Art Gallery property, as well as by Patricia Sharp, another former art teacher at St. Anne’s. In addition to Kim Smith, it was also most encouraging to see the number of well established artists who were present in support of Andrew’s exhibition, namely: Kishan Munroe, Andret John, Jamaal Rolle, Jerome Miller, Allan Pachino Wallace, Cindy Mullings, Jodi Minnis and Chris Symonette.
Andrew’s first solo exhibition held at Doongalik Art Gallery on Village Road on Thursday, 22nd September 2015 was a smashing success! There was a large crowd on hand to view his bigger than life and boldly colourful pieces. Andrew explains that his use of the vibrant colours help to take away some of the pain he feels inside. He also writes poetry to express himself.
The exhibition will be up until 14th October 2015. You are encouraged to view the show and, most importantly, to support this wonderful young artist by purchasing his work.
Email address: andrewknowlespaintings@gmail.com
© Copyright Rosemary C. Hanna 2015