Young enthusiast to compile photography book series on Guyana

WITH deep roots in Guyana, Dashawn Blackwood would return to the land of his parents’ birth annually and would even bring along friends.

The 27-year-old is a model and actor in Toronto, Canada, where he resides, and he has a very active lifestyle in the entertainment industry.

Blackwood told the Pepperpot Magazine that ever since he was a child, his mother, who is Guyanese, and his stepfather would bring him to Guyana. He has grown up to appreciate our local landscape, the people, our culture, the foods and, of course, our hospitality.

He reported that he would always look forward to visiting, and his parents would ensure he and his friends are well-travelled while here and enjoy what the country has to offer.

Blackwood added that even though he would visit every year, he still cannot get enough of Guyana, and this year, he brought four friends, all of whom were mesmerised by Guyana’s natural beauty.

“The things that are mundane to the locals are really interesting to me and I would bring my cameras to capture it all. I want to put together a photography series of Guyana and its people to share back home since we have a large Guyanese community, some of whom have never been to Guyana,” he said.

Blackwood remains motivated by coming to Guyana. He is inspired to do even more in his homeland, Canada, since Guyana is so different.

He stated that he started his series of photography books and it has captured through his lens the raw beauty of Guyana and family portraits.

“In life, we have a lot of ideas, and often we don’t always get to see them through, but I like to execute ideas and getting things done I stay focused on what’s ahead of me,” he said.

Life and upbringing

Blackwood is a model for multiple companies in Canada, including Bentley, General Motors, LG, Pepsi, McDonald’s, and many others.

Blackwood pointed out that his parents played a vital role in his life; his upbringing was good and he was able to display good morals in adulthood. He also thinks that being humble allowed him to set goals and achieve them.

He reported that when his mother was young, she had him, and then she met his stepfather and they got married.

Blackwood noted that although he had visited Guyana to see his maternal grandmother, his stepfather cemented his ties to Guyana.

He revealed that Guyana is a lovely place, and he had the opportunity to travel to other regions. He was in awe and enjoyed every bit of the food bursting with flavour, he related.

Blackwood is a versatile creative who excels in dance, acting, and modelling. His impressive portfolio includes modelling for prestigious brands such as Bentley, General Motors, LG, Pepsi, McDonald’s, and many others. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is passionate about travel and his creative expression.

Now, with his parents having returned to Guyana to reside, he is dedicated to inspiring those with Guyanese heritage to reconnect with their roots.

Blackwood’s goal is to showcase the beauty of Guyana and encourage others to experience the rich cultural explosion and vibrant landscapes of their ancestral home via tourism.

His biological father is Jamaican, but Guyana has his heart in one big picture, and he will continue to visit every year. He looks forward to reconnecting with the people, places and things.

Blackwood’s movie “Scaring Women at Night” is a hit in Canada, and in 2022, he participated in Toronto, Canada’s International Film Festival.

Scaring Women at Night is a Canadian short drama film directed by Karimah Zakia Issa and released in 2022. The film stars Izaiah Dockery as Ash, a Black transgender man who is walking alone in the dark but becomes very nervous that Ella, a woman also walking alone nearby, may potentially view him as a threat.