Issue 20 All pages final

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LIFESTYLE

ART GALLERY: A WHOLE EXPERIENCE Gilly Gobinet’s enchanting space stirs the senses and captivates the soul S et among tropical gardens, Gilly Gobinet’s working Art Gallery offers scenes as pretty as a picture. And that’s before one even begins to browse the delightful paintings on display. Inside the entrance, one wall is devoted to nudes, another to semi- bananaquits being the most shrill, feed from the dishes on the veranda. Anyone visiting the Gallery will be treated to a full tour of the property,

rest is history - we have been performing together ever since,” Adam says. Despite their sundry origins, The Strays’ esprit de corps just might be the secret to their musical alchemy. “I absolutely love playing with the guys and girl in the band; there is, like, zero egos flying around, we all just love music and thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the gift of being able to play it,” Adam continues. Tony concurs. “I love the chemistry and camaraderie. We feel each other’s energy; playing with the band is the best high you can get,” he says. There’s an “unspoken communication that happens” on stage, explains Hani. “That’s what I enjoy the most - the group just knows how to play with each other. “The connection with the crowd is also a big part of it; when they’re really into it, it’s a shared experience.” For Nathan, the sweeping setlists give him a chance to challenge himself. “I enjoy executing the music. Plus, you don’t hear that kind of music anywhere else in Antigua. ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ is something you would hear on American radio. To get the opportunity to play that here is great,” he smiles. As proud Antiguans, The Strays are some of the country’s biggest ambassadors. Throughout the season, music lovers can catch The Strays fortnightly at Catherine’s Café on Pigeon Beach, among other venues. Songs guaranteed to get people up and dancing range from 80s classics ‘Tainted Love’ – a richer, bassier version than the original – to Jamiroquai’s ‘Cosmic Girl’ and The Verve’s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’, the latter another unexpected addition to their heterogeneous repertoire. Hani’s favourites to perform include Chris Isaak’s haunting ‘Wicked Game’ and the eminently nostalgic 1985 hit

beginning with the delightful Courtyard at the entrance right down to the dock with its painted table and comfy chairs at the water’s edge, shaded by an enormous mangrove tree: a whole experience not to be missed! Inside are hundreds more original works, in all shapes and sizes, mainly in acrylic on canvas or wood, and watercolours, large and small, mounted in standard frame sizes. Nearly all are suitcase-friendly or can be shipped internationally. Because of Gilly’s training as a biologist, she is very curious about how every plant or animal she paints is made before painting it. This may also explain her love of nature. She also strongly feels that a balanced composition is one of the most important aspects of any work of art. While most of the pieces exhibited are the result of her own impulse, much of Gilly’s work is commissioned, particularly her portraits of pet dogs and cats for which she donates 10 percent to local animal charity Dogs and Cats of Antigua. Her love of animals includes her own five pet dogs! n

Gilly in her Gallery

Visitors can drop in 9am to 1pm Mondays to Fridays or by appointment. Visit www.gillygobinet.com email gillygobinet@me.com or call or WhatsApp +1 268 464-6084. Visa, MasterCard & American Express accepted.

abstract paintings of boats. Further on, an effervescent collection of acrylics and watercolours, mostly inspired by nature - flowers, fruit, birds etc… adorn the walls. In the kitchen, cartoons vie for position among pineapples, local veggie produce and classic yachts. And in the bathroom, a papier maché clown offers visitors lavatory paper with one tiny scarlet hand. In the background, the effortless timbre of Mozart adds one final whimsical flourish. Barely a square foot of Gilly’s Gallery, on the banks of Fitches Creek – a short drive from the international airport – has been excluded from this bacchanalia of colour and canvas. Hand-painted murals adorn exterior walls and even the periphery of the swimming pool. “Inspiration is never lacking when you’re surrounded by all of this,” she says brightly, gesturing towards the sea and the pots of brilliant bougainvillea and other vibrant tropical flora; at least seven species of tropical birds, the numerous

‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ by Tears for Fears. For Khadijah, it’s the irresistibly funky groove of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’. Her enthusiasm for the industry is palpable. “When I’m not playing music I’m listening to it,” she grins. “Seeing the crowd enjoying our music is the biggest thing for me. We are helping them to make memories.” The Strays attract a solid local following wherever they go but for the tourists lucky enough to catch a gig, it’s a holiday highlight. “When the tourism season is really kicking, the island’s social aspect is hard to beat,” Tony says. “Antigua has a real personality for that kind of stuff.” As proud Antiguans, The Strays are some of the country’s biggest ambassadors. “I just love how laidback it is here. The pace of life is much slower than other countries – you can have your bubble,” says Hani. “It’s a good place to be disconnected from the worries of larger scale modern life,” picks up Javan. “Because things move at a slower pace we miss some of the more frantic or hectic energy from world events. We are kind of tucked away

in a corner and no one is really paying attention to us,” he adds. The country’s beaches undoubtedly garner more press than its rhythmical offerings. But as music buffs will testify, the twin island nation is something of a pioneer in the sector. “Antigua is a really special place when it comes to music. This is the land of Burning Flames for goodness sakes, the best calypso/soca music ever made in the Caribbean,” Adam says. “They were the first band to use a drum machine, which took traditional calypso music and turned it on its head, paving the way for what is now known as soca.” Getting the chance to step in as lead singer when main man Onyan left, after growing up listening to them, was a moment of “shock and awe”, he recalls, followed by some “amazing memories”. “I’ve always been a bit of a loner and singing has always been my company, my friend, my peace,” Adam adds. “I honestly feel so grateful for the gift I’ve been given and I never take it for granted, and I never take The Strays for granted. “We are so lucky to be able to go out there and play for people.” n By Gemma Handy

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