‘I like to amplify the colors and add some drama’.

Indeed looking at the art work of Lowell Royer feels like Alice through the looking glass, vibrant colors burst and lines swirl around familiar images, almost like a fantastical realm closing resembling ours. The career artist describes this concept as ‘dramatic realism’ and has been creating art of this kind all his life. An artist of many talents he does work in the traditional form of paint on canvas, black images on a white background, white images on a black background as well as using the human body as a canvas as he designs and does tattoos. His favorite medium however is wood as he sees it as much more versatile medium which offers physical contours to add depth to his work.

This “Lyrical Genius” comes from the beautiful island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, “the gem of the Antilles”. Although this island is small, it produces a mighty musician worthy of praise. Due to his love of music, it created a brewing melting pot of wondrous ideas influenced by different genres such as Reggae, Zouk, R&B and Jazz.

Raised by both parents, he transcended into the musical scene by ways of the church. He grew up listening and partaking in the classical church choir and also his equally, musically talented relatives. He drew inspiration from Machel Montano and rose to the musical spotlight fuelled by his passion of music.

Yordanis Durañona García is a 28year old Cuban born triple jumper representing the island of Dominica. Yordanis has won several medals on a regional level and was proudly able to live his dream at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

OY: What did it feel like in the moment that you qualified for the Olympic Games?

YD: I felt happy! I was filled with pride and honour. To make the Olympics was my dream and it was at this point I truly realized it actually came true.

OY: What do you think is the one trait that separates you from every other athlete, especially now that you are here for the Olympic Games?

YD: I like to work every day. I jump, I lift, I run....a lot. There is always something to be done. Even on days that I relax, I study films. Every day is a day to get better.

Ziggy Bruney is a 24 year old artist coming from the nature isle, the beautiful island of Dominica. Ziggy stands as an extraordinary and passionate artist whose work is recognized for its attention to detail and depth. The ability to transfer what he sees in his mind’s eye on paper is breathtaking.

OY: What inspired you to become an artist?

ZB: I was always good at using my hands and so it became natural for me to draw. Art is a field that allows me to add something new to the world with minimum prejudice. As far as the world is concerned an artist isn’t needed for human survival, so a great artist is more celebrated than a great engineer.