Millicent Lynch finds art in the face of tragedy
Published:Sunday | October 29, 2023 | 12:08 AMKrysta Anderson - Staff Reporter
While her father was bedridden in the hospital, Millicent Lynch received an interesting request. Her father, a passionate visual artist, asked her to create a painting for him. She gladly fulfilled his request, taking a blank canvas and turning it into a vibrant and majestic nature piece she called ‘Dad’s View’. He expressed sheer delight in her refreshing approach to a familiar place, and this became his final wish before he passed away two days later. It was this life-changing event that catapulted Lynch into the wonderful world of art.
“Art is the most honest expression of any human being. It comes from a place that is hidden and it is what it is. That’s why people interpret it in many different ways. I never knew I had painting in me. My dad always said that I spoke like I could paint. But I was into business. It wasn’t until hearing his unique request that I picked up a pencil,” she told Sunday Lifestyle.
At first, the family brought paper and pencils for her father to sketch at the hospital. After realising that he wasn’t using it, she knew that meant the matter was more serious than she had initially thought. “I know that he loved nature, so I did a scene with the leaves, the trees and the water running by. I showed it to him and he said, ‘That’s so beautiful; I know you could do it, my daughter’. That was the last we spoke,” Lynch recalled.
Traumatised by the ordeal, something beautiful emerged – the ability to carry on her father’s artistic legacy.
Her parents introduced her to the world of art from a young age, and their Christmas decorations were inherently festive, often exploring different themes in a do-it-yourself fashion. This tradition has now been handed down to her children and grandchildren.
“My father would also sit down, watch television and make sketches of every face, identical to those on the screen. Before his passing in 2019, his creativity came out in his cooking. He would make magic in the kitchen, dishing several delicious courses,” she revealed.
Her mother, on the other hand, was more into design. She fondly remembers her mom teaching her to make papier-mâché, craft flowers from crepe paper, and build toys using cartridge paper. “My mom never lived very long so my dad really had a big responsibility afterwards,” Lynch added.
But for Lynch, her heart resonated with the performing arts, exploring dance and drama, while also embracing a passion for writing poems.
Although she pursued a career in business, art was never far behind. “I used to decorate rooms, paint walls on request, and make all kinds of piñatas for my children, nieces and nephews and my friends’ children based on popular cartoon characters,” she added.
Her journey into the art world, purely by chance, was met by a great deal of support. But she remained on the fence about the venture. “I went and bought the canvas. If the painting didn’t look good, then I’d keep it,” she said. But then came COVID-19, with a lockdown period that gave her the time and the opportunity to hone her craft. “I have done a lot of work for the last three years,” Lynch said.
Initially focusing on portraits, she soon transitioned to creating abstract paintings and nature-inspired pieces, both of which came naturally to her. “From sunsets and water, to trees, I’m totally absorbed by it. Nature is never going to be unkind; the leaves are just going to work with you.”
Abstract unearths another side of this artist, exploring the notions of ‘what the artist sees that others don’t see’ and ‘what’s in the artist that viewers don’t know’, while showcasing a talent that she didn’t know was within her.
“Persons are able to see what they see without judgement. Abstract taps into your mood and I like that I am able to bring out expressions that have so many interpretations.”
During the pandemic, Lynch hosted a virtual art show that sold 30 pieces. She also did a few pop-up exhibitions overseas, including one in Switzerland. Also, she hosted a physical art show in Kingston, dubbed Canvast by Millie.
Lynch’s top five original art pieces include ‘Dad’s View’, which holds a special place in her heart. ‘Ship Wreck’ is her second favourite, a creation that took a great deal if time due to its intricate use of colours, textures, and density. Followed by the third piece, ‘Reach’, though simple in appearance, conveys a powerful message of hope, even in its abstract form. ‘After the Storm’ ranks fourth and resonated with a viewer so deeply that they purchased it immediately during the show. And, the fifth spot belongs to ‘Trio’, an abstract piece featuring a family portrait.
Her biggest obstacle, so far, has been portraying herself as an artist, as people have found it hard to see her in a creative light. But, the art show last summer revealed a new side of Millicent Lynch to some.
Her creative framework in the literary and performing arts prepared her to confidently approach the visual element without fear. “My mentors have given me power when I paint,” she highlighted. From poetry she learned the lesson: ‘Write your intention. It is not mine; I cannot say it is wrong; just write it.’ In dance, the guidance was, ‘Where you put your feet is where you land; land firmly on it and know that the ground beneath you will not go.’ Furthermore, she was encouraged to extend her legs, and when she worried about colliding with others, it could lead to new moves, giving her the freedom to perform without restraint.
Inspired by resilient individuals, she’s self-motivated in her art and thankful for her supportive family and friends. Lynch’s aspiration is to own a gallery and inspire the next generation to embrace their artistic expression.