Island Style

Jamaican transplant Nadine Ramphal brings handmade charm to Nassau’s arts scene.

Stroll down Nassau’s Bay Street and you’ll find plenty of duty-free “shopportunities” from international designer brands. But beyond the city’s straw market, locally made souvenirs can be challenging to find. Nadine Ramphal is trying to change that. A transplant from Jamaica, the artist is a constant presence at Craft Cottage, a trove of treasures just a five minutes’ drive from downtown where discerning shoppers can buy island-made mementos — including the pieces she makes herself. We caught up with her at the Village Road store to talk everything from “art shaming” to the value of handmade objects.

The Creative Path

Growing up in Jamaica, art was always a part of my childhood but just wasn’t considered an ambitious career option. So I went the traditional route, became a pharmacist and loved it. But when we had our sons and my husband and I asked ourselves, “Why are we having these precious children for someone else to raise them?” It made no sense, so we did something about it. And amid my new life of Lego and PTA meetings, I rediscovered my art.

Art vs. Craft

In the early days people would try to “art shame” me by pointing out that I wasn't formally trained. “You're a crafter, not an artist,” they’d say, thinking I cared. But the joke was on them; I was having fun.

Better In The Bahamas

When we moved to the Bahamas, the turquoise waters took my breath away. My new home told a story of sea-foam green and ocean blues and the vibrant clash of colors of Junkanoo. This new environment excited me to explore who I was, both as a person and as an artist. My mind filled with ideas, and I started making painted wine glasses, sea-glass mobiles, jewelry made with local coins, fabric art collages, beaded cutlery, painted signs upcycled from discarded ceiling fan blades … the list goes on!

Inspiration Everywhere

I enjoy traveling and I'm always excited by the subtleties that make each place unique. I love nature and its diversity. I see beauty in people and their individuality. And I love the aging process, whether it's patina, rust, chipped paint, or my 54-year-old self becoming more authentic and recognizing what serves me.

Happy Being Me

My work isn’t everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay. I'm happy doing the things I enjoy and passing commissions that don’t work for me on to other artists. I believe that you do your best work when you’re enjoying it. I encourage local artisans not to allow the things they don't want to do to stop them from creating altogether. If you don’t want a social media presence or you don't like to create multiples, stand your ground. You're not “difficult.” You're “exclusive!”

With Hands and Heart

Handmade objects tell a story and evoke a particular emotion in the owner. They are a small part of the person who created them. I create the things that please me, and for someone to purchase and cherish my work makes my heart sing.

Why Buy?

When I first became involved with the Craft Cottage Bahamas, we were just five artisans looking for a way to display our work. Now, the store has become a platform for dozens of Bahamian creatives to get their work noticed and to generate income. We’re located on the Doongalik Art Gallery property, so we have the privilege of being a part of their creative and cultural family. When you come to us, you get an authentic creative experience in the heart of Nassau, whether or not you buy anything. But we hope you do! •

My new home told a story of sea-foam green and ocean blues and the vibrant clash of colors of Junkanoo.