By Michel Outridge

THE small community of Green Valley, Wismar, Linden, is not void of talented residents, who haven’t had the opportunity to fully realise their expertise through formal training, but they are still making their mark in the village.

One such resident is Kevin Thomas, who is a self-taught artist and who specialises in portraits among other drawings.

At a very young age, Thomas realised he was gifted in art, but never thought he was good enough to make it his livelihood until he began being complimented by his teachers and others, who have seen his work.

It dawned on Thomas that he can make it as an artist and began watching videos and participated in online group tutorials on Facebook.

The 26-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has never received any formal training, but would like to become a student of the E.R. Burrowes School of Art to sharpen his drawing skills.

Due to a lack of resources and distance, he was unable to do so, but continued to draw at home where he made it a ‘side hustle.’

Thomas is a registered nurse attached to the Linden Hospital Complex for the past three years, because he had the opportunity right in Linden to become a nurse; he was always fascinated with being in the medical field.

“When my grandfather became ill and I used to take care of him, then I realised that this was my true calling to become a healthcare provider and I wanted to become a nurse and applied and was successful,” he said.

Over the years, he has been practising drawings “on and off,” but would still watch videos online to ensure that he was still versed to continue.

“In school, I always liked to draw and the drawings were really good and I developed myself to become better at it and blossomed as I matured; and even though my immediate family members aren’t artists, my uncle and a cousin have the same talent, so I guess it’s within the family tree,” he said.

Thomas began honing his self-taught skills fully in 2002. He began taking in work, mostly portraits and when his customers were pleased he knew he had to try harder.

This young man would also do paintings and clay sculptures and in his spare time, he would explore the possibilities right from his home in Green Valley, a close-knit village.

Thomas explained that paintings are more expensive and most people can’t afford to pay for them, so he would try to keep his prices pocket-friendly.

“To have a portrait is considered a treasured thing to have to display in one’s house and some people would seek me out to have their portrait done and pay for it,” he said.

His work is somewhat known in Linden, but as news of his work spreads even further, he is hoping to etch his name in society and so far, he is very proud of his achievements and the praises he has received.

“Whenever people prise [sic] my work it encourages me to keep on going and I need that kind of positive motivation,” he said.

The soap and candle maker of Green Valley-making.

The 20-year-old reported that after her mother completed a soap production and candle-making course, she used to watch her do it and after some practice, she started it on her own small operation.

Today, she would assist in making the soaps and candles, while her mother would sell the products at their stall at McKenzie.

“I wanted to work but could not get a job, so I decided to develop my skills at home and started to make soaps and candles to earn,” she said.

Esbees explained that products to make the candles and soaps are sourced locally and the ingredients include oils such as coconut, castor, olive, canola, and crab as a facial soap for blackheads, blemishes, dark spots, acne and sun-damaged skin.

The young lady added that they have local suppliers and would make soaps and candles when they have orders, but would always have in stock small quantities at the stall.

She related that the facial soaps are also combined with turmeric, charcoal and other ingredients to promote health benefits.

Esbees stated that they also have a small facial bar, while candles are made in small quantities.

The mother-and-daughter small business is called Esbees Facial Soaps and is for deep-cleaning, moisturising, nourishing and toning of the skin.