Curtis Mulley
With such quiet disposition, Curtis Mulley most times goes unnoticed. He blends into the shadows and moves quietly, very observant. However, he brought attention to himself unintentionally.
My friend and I were eating in a restaurant. There was noise all around but the loudest sound was the beating of a drum. Whoever was beating the drum had everyone swaying to the rhythm. Then Curtis started singing freestyle, the words that flowed were unrehearsed. He had everyone who listened entertained. I turned around and was surprise to see it was him. He had practically blended into the wall and I’m sure many persons forgot that he was present. My friend questioned him. Only one question I had then: “What do you do?” There was something about him. It wasn’t the singing really. It was his keen sense of observation. I had seen when he had entered the restaurant, and his penetrating eyes had scouted out the place with much concentration unlike the other patrons. Then he had taken a seat close to the wall, deep in thought, yet still alert. I wanted to know what field he was in that required such detailed observation. “I’m an artist,” he humbly replied.
Curtis Mulley of Parson’s Village, St. Kitts, discovered his talent while attending the Dieppe Bay Primary School and nurtured it further at the Sandy Point High School. Many have seen his work but do not know the person behind the masterpieces. For the past couple of years I am one of the many, who has admired his work. His paintings are exhibited in various stores on the island and it was an honour to have finally met him.
“You’re very humble,” I told him.
“You can’t be boasting with your talent. You have to be calm and humble. The seriousness is in your heart,” he said in response to my statement. His paintings are calming, meaningful and from the heart. “You have to be patient. You must not rush off the work,” he said with discipline.
“Artists are not usually the richest people and you most definitely know that.” I said.
“Money is not all. I’m rich in talent,” he jokingly replied. Though we laughed, his statement is quite true.
This is an artist who loves what he does. Viewing his work may leave you absolutely speechless but one thing is certain, the magnificence and splendour of his work shines through.
Curtis Mulley’s paintings are exhibited in various stores on the island of St. Kitts and his artwork is displayed on the walls of various community centres and business places. Such places include: “All Kinda Tings” market, Warner Park and the Craft House. He also paints on the walls of private homes for persons who may be interested. He has represented St. Kitts and Nevis at various exhibitions including a recent exposition in Grenada. In addition, his paintings have been displayed at the Organisation of American States (OAS) Gallery of Heroes in Washington DC.