This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Arnold Artist Featured at Maryland Hall

The exhibit—"In de Carribean" from David Boothman—is on display at Maryland Hall through July 28.

Arnold resident David Boothman views his art as a ministry. As an artist, composer, musician and teacher, Boothman’s goal is to transform society to a higher consciousness towards a new humanity and world peace.

“Artists have a responsibility to create a powerful language and message through their art,” Boothman explained. “I don’t paint for money.”

For 35 years, Boothman has followed this dream, receiving numerous awards in Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. His paintings have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum, OAS, the National Museum of Trinidad and Tobago and the African American Museum in Dallas, TX as well as international corporate buildings in Europe and Latin America. Boothman founded the Caribbean Art Jazz Ensemble (CAJE), and he serves as the co-founder/director of the Caribbean Arts Central.

His latest collection, “In de Caribbean,” is on exhibit at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, through July 28. The theme of this collection is romanticism and transcendence.

At the exhibit opening June 24, art lovers commented on Boothman’s collection. “I’m so impressed and surprised,” said Richard Caruso of Annapolis.” “It’s so beautiful.”

“The paintings are colorful and bright,” added Joan Aiken of Chesapeake Beach. “I love the colors.”

Her husband, Tyrone Aiken, agreed. “They are eclectic,” he said.

Boothman describes his work as a modern perception that creates an illusion of reality.

“I don’t follow the popular norm,” he related.

Many paintings portray scenes of the vibrant Caribbean culture. Figurative pieces highlight portraits of Caribbean icons. Some show the beauty of the Bele—a Caribbean folk dance of French/Creole influence performed to African drumming and singing.

“The dance captures the elegance of women and what is Caribbean,” explained Boothman.

Glimpse at the Bele paintings long enough, and one can imagine the women dancing. Somehow, the artist has combined his musical talents with his artistic talents to create the perfect balance.

“His work is very happy and very musical,” observed Haidi Zech of Edgewater.

Other pieces contain impressionist images. Walk through a wooded park and feel the relaxation under the tree. Listen to the steel-drum procession, or watch the crowd gather. Wait ─ why do so many people in the crowd have their eyes closed? Boothman explained this is symbolic of people listening because “we take seeing for granted.”

The artist uses all the senses in creating his masterpieces, and the ideas for his work originate from a sacred connection.

“In essence, I identify with the divine, and translate it into some tangible means,” said Boothman.

When David Boothman paints, he never asks the subject to sit for him. Instead, he depicts memories of scenes and people and embellishes them.

People are impressed by his methods, but he learned from the best. Growing up in an artistic family, Boothman was surrounded by inspirational role models. He came to the United States in 1976 and later graduated with honors from the Pratt Institute in New York.

One of his mentors was his uncle, Geoffrey Holder, an accomplished actor, choreographer, composer, author, and painter. Watching him paint inspired Boothman to follow in his footsteps.

“Our home was the center of a lot of artists,” Boothman said.

Today, he frequently travels home to visit friends and family. “The world is my home,” the artist said.

For a preview of Boothman’s art work accompanied by his music, click here.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Broadneck