Cayman Day Creative Showcase & Shop

We are selling beautiful Cayman Islands and Cayman Connection products in the ‘Creative Showcase and Shop’, manned and curated by Cayman Connection.

 

Some of the Creative Showcase arts, crafts and Cayman brands you can expect to find at Cayman Day 2022: 

All that Glitters
Beach Bubbles
Cayman Scents
Cayman Connection
Clarke Palmer Jewellery
ContessaBlack Entertainment

Deal Ebanks
Dready
Gordon Solomon
Guy Harvey
Isy B
Jan Barwick
John Doak

Laurene
More Vibes
PressedKY
Waterbugs Int’l & Esteban Gallery
West Indian Creatives
3 Girls & a Kiln

All that glitters

@allthatglitterscayman

Emilia hand makes resin coasters and wooden boards with resin drip finish that looks exactly like Seven Mile Beach. So much so, that the Westin Casuarina, Grand Cayman commissioned her to make coasters with their logo to remind their guests of the legendary turquoise sea that makes Cayman such a paradise.

At the Creative Showcase and Shop we will be selling sets of 4 coasters and small wooden boards. Be quick as these will sell out.

Beach Bubbles

@bubbles.beach

We are very excited to be selling a selection of Beach Bubbles beautiful, brightly coloured soaps at Cayman Day. They make the perfect gift to brighten anyone’s day.

Beach Bubbles is built with love, heart, soul and passion. Enjoy sudsy soaps and shampoo bars in fabulous fragrances and stunning colours. Indulge in creamy moisturising lotions and body butters all in lovely scents and paraben free.

Their sugar scrubs and soufflés are made with natural organic sugar and scrumptious spices and guaranteed to make your skin silky smooth. Also available bath bombs and candles.

Cayman Scents

@caymanscents

We sold the beautifully scented soaps and body lotions from Angela Wood’s company Cayman Scents last year at Cayman Day in the UK and we will be again this year at our new extended Creative Showcase and Shop.

Here Angela explains the history of her brand when she started making soap in the beautiful Cayman Islands back in 1999. “Back then, life’s essentials of fantastically scented soaps, lotions and candles were nonexistent in Grand Cayman. So I started making them myself. Yes, you could purchase Ivory soap or an old dusty vanilla candle, but that was not what I craved. I wanted richly scented products that were good for me and my skin. As the years passed, my passion to create more little luxuries grew. I began making sugar scrubs, lip balms, shower gels, body sprays, candles and diffusers.

Today, I have kicked it up a notch and have moved our operations from a small studio work shop to our new home in the heart of Seven Mile Beach. Here you can watch the attention and care given to our handcrafted products as soap is cut, candles poured and lotion is whipped. You will also find a fully stocked retail outlet for your shopping and sensory pleasure.”

Cayman Scents, high quality products, lovingly created just for you. Enjoy!

Cayman Connection

At Cayman Connection, we love to help Caymanian businesses in Cayman and the UK to thrive and to share these fabulous products with our members. Any profits from the Shop go directly to Caymanian producers and projects that assist Caymanians overseas.

We also have a range of Cayman Connection branded items that you can purchase to support our not-for-profit organisation so we can continue to give back to our global network. From caps to beanies, mugs to tea towels, there’s sure to be something you will love for yourself or as a gift for someone in your life. Your support is appreciated!

Clarke Palmer Jewellery

@sparklexstyle
@clarke_x_palmer

Clarke Palmer Jewellery have designed a collection especially for the Creative Showcase and Shop at Cayman Day in the UK. They have been featured in the Telegraph, Times, GQ and the Evening Standard and are worn by Actors Sophia di Martino (LOKI), Micheal Ward (Top Boy, Empire of Light) and singer Sam Smith.

Clarke Palmer is a sustainable beaded jewellery company. We take care when sourcing all our materials. Our precious and semi precious stones are bought from an independent company in Aylesbury who imports from one family business in a village just outside Jaipur. We make to order so there is no wastage of stock. All pieces are designed and handmade by Creative Director Jenny Palmer.

Jenny first travelled to Grand Cayman when styling a Commercial for Impulse Body Spray and fell in love with the Island.

She continued to visit the Island and has a photography book and a Guide Book on the islands published by Macmillan.

In 2015 she worked at the Cayman Compass as Style Editor.

CONTESSABLACK ENTERTAINMENT

KAA KAA & TOKYO, the first, culturally-inspired family entertainment brand from the Cayman Islands is being applied to multiple platforms including: TV animation, books, games, merchandise and live event attractions.

Designed to be highly “edu-taining”, this series features wildly entertaining Caymanian stories using explosive humor, remarkable rhymes and authentic illustrations to enchant audiences, young and old, back to a time of simple island life, while educating readers about “the isles that time forgot.”

Based in the the 1930’s, this series features two hilarious characters: Kaa Kaa, and Tokyo, her clumsy, fifty-seven year old nephew, who constantly experience one misadventure after another. Brilliant, playful and furiously funny, Kaa Kaa & Tokyo will charm their way into the hearts of youngsters, parents and educators.

Born in Jamaica and raised in the Cayman Islands Caxxiannes’ environment provided her with the tools she needed for mental and spiritual growth and traveling the world allowed her to navigate those tools into her art that you are witnessing today.

Deal Ebanks

Deal Ebanks was born in West Bay, but moved with his family to Texas in the late 1970’s, before returning to Cayman in 2003. He works primarily with traditional Caymanian materials, producing objects such as gigs, calavans, singing kites, walking sticks, and wauri boards, which he displays at cultural and agricultural events through Cayman Traditional Arts (CTA). His proficiency with crafting these objects has earned him the title of “the gig man”.

Ebanks is also a recipient of the McCoy Prize People’s Choice award (2006) and the Heritage Cross Silver in the National Arts and Culture Awards. He was a regular exhibitor at the NGCI Art@Governor’s festival and his exhibitions at NGCI include: Emergence (2004), 21st Century Cayman (2010), Art of Assemblage (2013), and Revive: Contemporary Caymanian Craft (2017).

 

Image & text source: The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

Dready

@dreadyworld

At the very exciting Creative Showcase and Shop Dready has sent us a selection of his very popular book marks. Pick up a set of 6 for a perfect stocking filler!

Dready Art in his own words:
“Dready art is a 100% caribbean product: it was imagined here, designed here, tested here – in barbados, bvi, cayman, grenada and jamaica – we live here and are from here, our children were born here, I draw it here (mostly, cause sometimes I draw it when I’m traveling!). So despite what has become the kind of global reach of dready art we try to think of ourselves as a little caribbean company just doing our thing.

I said to a man the other day ‘whether it’s an emotional or financial transaction, all the parties involved should feel some joy from the process … that includes the chain forward and backward …’ we’re gonna try and live up to that idea.

Listen, if you ever want us to do our thing for your thing, talk to us ‘cause, ya know, we do custom work too.”

Gordon Solomon

@gordonjsolomon

At the Creative Showcase and Shop at Cayman Day in the UK Saturday 12 November we will be selling CDs and prints by Gordon Solomon.

Gordon Solomon; Artist, musician, author and teacher was born and raised in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands during the late 70’s.

Gordon, a Caymanian artist who is best known for his “Spots of light” technique has no formal training as an Artist, but has worked diligently for years nurturing his talent to create works of art that jolt viewers, intrigues and invites them to stay a while longer and journey into his world.

He knew he was an artist from a young age and developed his skills on his own; he continues to unearth his talent. Gordon also worked for many years with outreach programmes, charities and with the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands; he enjoys teaching art and is proud of his heritage – looking to the future by observing his/the islands past.

Gordon studied Building Science, Construction, Architecture Design and Traditional Hand lettering at a local college. He uses this knowledge in his current works of buildings and maritime subjects, and as of recent merged his graphic skills with his abstract ideas.

“The imminent efflorescence of the Caymanian arts literally stands on the shoulders of giants like Gordon Solomon who singlehandedly carried the arts through the desert to the brink of the Promised Land where we now stand”. –Badir Awe, Awesome Productions CEO, Board Member of the Cayman Islands Film Commission (CIFC), Organizer Poinciana Festival

Guy Harvey

@guyharveycayman

Look out for books, prints and painted tin plates from Guy Harvey at the Creative Showcase and Shop at Cayman Day in the UK.

ABOUT GUY HARVEY
Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. Growing up in Jamaica, Guy spent many hours fishing and diving with his father along the Island’s south coast. He was obsessed with the creatures of the sea and began drawing pictures of the many different fish he observed.Guy’s artwork can be found in art exhibits, stores, galleries, restaurants and at fishing tournaments. He makes appearances at store openings as well as public appearances for a variety of environmental causes.

He pioneered a technique of diving and photographing free-swimming billfish. His personal observations made during these diving expeditions have better enabled him to capture the detail in his paintings that contributes to the popularity of his work.

A passion for the beauty and wonder of the underwater world has driven Dr. Guy Harvey to be a leading conservationist and advocate for the protection of our environment. Guy dedicates much of his talent, time and resources to programs that protect our oceans, fish population and reef systems. The Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University and The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation have taken on a leadership role in providing the scientific information necessary to understand and protect the world’s fish resources and biodiversity from continued decline.

Isy B

@isybdesign

We are very excited to be selling a selection of Isy b’s new collection of Beach bags, towels and sarongs at the Creative Showcase and Shop at Cayman Day in the UK this year.

Isy B Design is a brand Created With Heart & Soul & Spirit.

In her own words:
“I come from a powerful lineage of creative women – my love of design was inherited from my mother who was a fashion designer, and she learned from her mother before her. It was with my mother that I learned to design clothes first for my dolls, then for myself and other women.

Now, my design aesthetic is inspired by a combination of influences – I love exploring the natural world, the experience of travel, and artistic expression in all forms.

Each special Isy B. creation has been lovingly designed in my studio in the Cayman and has been thoughtfully crafted from the finest materials available, working with those who share my vision, and passion for the pieces I create.

Jan Barwick

@bairikibyjanbarwick

Also at the Cayman Day in the UK Creative Showcase and Shop will be the stunning and very recognisable work of Jan Barwick. Two sizes of prints either framed or unframed and 3 different sizes of her gorgeous silk scarves will be available to buy.

Remember to enter the competitions during the day for a chance to win the ‘By the Moonlight’ 42” x 42” Luxe Silk Square Scarf worth over £150!

Jan Barwick’s work, inspired by living in the Cayman Islands, South Pacific Islands, and Florida, has a bold technicolour palette, with cerise, turquoise, tangerine and citrus, capturing the vivid flowers and marine life of the Caribbean and Key West. Jan became intoxicated with the vibrant colors of tropical plants, exotic birds, azure waters, flying fish and captivating sunsets. “I was seduced and my imagination enriched, giving me a lasting love of colour and nature.”

Her paintings might best be described as magic realism, capturing a paradisal world, more likely to be discovered in dreams than reality. There is something primitive in their expression, echoing the dream time pictures of the Aborigines.

About three years ago, encouraged by her sister Miranda, Jan started to design a collection based around her underwater reef paintings, and thus the Bairiki brand was “born”…

Miranda and Jan have chosen to name the brand ‘Bairiki ’, part of the atoll of Tarawa in Kiribati, South Pacific, where they lived with their family for six years in the 1960’s and where Miranda was born. Her art always hints at ethereal and transient beauty, and is particularly resonant since Kiribati, where she grew up, is the first nation that will be reclaimed by the sea because of climate change.

Bairiki by Jan Barwick showcases her original paintings and also highlights elements from the paintings into stunningly visual, high design images that translate into beautiful home goods, clothing, accessories, resort and gift products.

Bairiki by Jan Barwick also offers private label and product development. The possibilities are endless …

As 75% of the fashion supply chain world-wide is now ending up in landfills, Bairiki By Jan Barwick would like to take part in solving the problem and not adding to it.
Bairiki will be manufacturing according to demand, thus avoiding excess inventory. As a result we will able to offer you a far wider choice of our beautiful designs but it could mean that your order could take four to six weeks to receive.

John Doak

@archidoak

A few copies of “Cayman Style” by Architect John Doak will be available to buy art Cayman Day in the UK. Also some of Doak’s beautifully drawn Cayman Maps.

“Cayman Style” is a culmination of Doak’s research into the history of the Cayman Islands as seen through the buildings and the developments that have occurred from their time of discovery in 1503.
The book is a treasure trove of Doak’s sketches, photographs, three dimensional models, archive photography and anecdotes accumulated over the last forty years and kept in a mahogany chest that sat alongside his drawing board. This personal archive, now revealed for the first time, is entitled “Cayman Style” .

In recognition of the book’s first manuscript Cayman Style was awarded a Caribbean Preservation Award in 1994 by the US International Council of Monuments and Sites citing “For the unique labor of love that produced this study of Cayman vernacular architecture, that will serve as the foundation for a national inventory, as a field guide for surveyors, as guidelines for a national preservation plan, and an educational tool to promote appreciation and respect for local history and culture”

In 2013 Doak’s work in the preservation of the built heritage of the Cayman Islands was recognized by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a Cayman Islands Badge of Honour.

Laurene

Laurene was born and grew up in Trinidad. She came to Britain, becoming an aeromedical evacuation Nursing Officer in the RAF and then a clinical nurse specialist in the NHS. She is also a complementary therapist. Laurene has always been an avid writer, working adeptly in a variety of genres. Her poems have been critically acclaimed and her book of short stories, Walking in the Shadows and The Heir, was self-published in 2016.

Laurene is a Cayman Connection Book Club member, with family who has lived and worked in Grand Cayman. Her most recent work Foreign Body: What if it Happens to You? will be on sale in the Creative Showcase & Shop.

Foreign Body What If It Happens To You? Novella by Laurene (lotsofloveandblessings.com)

More Vibes

From the More Vibes team:

We are a small team from the Caribbean. We wanted to share some of our favourite Caribbean expressions which not only help us promote our beautiful countries but also remind us of our beloved home.

Our goal is to put a little “fun” on quality merchandise. We are committed to sourcing comfortable and stylish apparel, as well as accessories (coming soon). Our designs are from the heart. We hope you enjoy the look and embrace the vibes.

Pressed KY

@pressedY

Janaya Maxwell: Born and raised in George Town, Grand Cayman, with generational ties to Jamaica and Honduras, Janaya Maxwell is a successful small business owner. Having lived in the UK for three years, she received her Level 3 Extended Diploma with Distinction and Merit in Health and Social Care.

A hardworking, determined, respectful and responsible Caymanian, she prides herself on her ability to learn fast and adapt to various situations. She has a passion for all things beauty and style, which she successfully showcases through her business PressedKY. Having spotted a gap in the local market, this young entrepreneur offers a selection of press-on nails and beauty products as a convenient, yet stylish way to help you look and feel fabulous while taking on your day.

PressedKY: Inspired by her love of nail art and wanting to provide a convenient and stylish way for clients to have their nail beauty needs met, young entrepreneur Janaya Maxwell spotted a gap in the market and founded PressedKY in mid-2020.

Initially done for clients to keep up their nail care during the pandemic, PressedKY quickly grew into a necessity to save time and look fabulous. Using the wonders of modern technology, Ms Maxwell created a business plan ran solely via social media platforms.

PressedKY provides beauty products specialising in personalised press-on nails and application kits. With the aim of supporting inclusivity and accessibility, personalised order and application tutorials are also available on request.

At PressedKY we believe there is no limit to what we, as human beings can accomplish. That is why we’re here to help you look and feel fabulous while taking on your day.

Waterbugs Int'l & Esteban Gallery

Award-winning artist, sculptor, designer and product developer Horacio Esteban of Esteban Gallery Limited and Waterbugs International, was born of Caymanian and Cuban parents in Havana, Cuba, and spent his early childhood growing up in the rich, diverse culture of Cuba’s post-revolution age.

When he moved to Cayman Brac at the age of four, he was immediately inspired by the island’s rugged beauty and this sparked a lifelong passion for the natural environment, which he seeks to capture through a variety of artistic mediums including sculpture, painting, jewellery, fine craft and apparel.

Esteban’s popular handcrafted Caymanite pendants on cord as well as his Waterbugs DIVE CAYMAN t-shirts will be available once again at Cayman Day in the UK.

West Indian Creatives

Alyssa Janae is the creative director and founder of West Indian Creatives, a brand and business with a variety of branches, not just a magazine. She is a multidisciplinary creative born and raised in Grand Cayman having recently completed her studies at the London College of Fashion with a Bachelors in Fashion Styling and Production. She directs and produces photoshoots, is involved in commercial fashion photography, styling and is also a model.

“West Indian Creatives is the first of its kind, a hub for Caribbean creatives within and outside of the Caribbean to show their art, network and expand their knowledge of Caribbean artists in fashion and visual media. My end goal with WIC is to create multiple branches for people to gather information. Whether that be through educational courses where [me] and others share our insight and knowledge, creative services for styling and photography, a podcast, or just our good ‘ol Instagram feed. I would love to host WIC events in the future that creatives from all islands can fly down for in Grand Cayman, travel to different islands for raw content and create WIC agency which is to represent creative talent in a variety of areas. But until then, we are currently working on WIC magazine and hope to get as many people involved as possible. If you’d like to submit work or pitch ideas for the magazine, please feel free to contact us! I’m hopeful for the future of WIC and hope you are too.”

3 Girls and a Kiln

@3girlsandakiln

We have a small selection of the beautiful ceramic work of 3 Girls and a Kiln at the Creative Showcase and Shop at Cayman Day in the UK.

3 Girls and a Kiln, Grand Cayman are an art collective made up of three artists in the Cayman Islands with a focus on local art, fun design and island inspired creativity.

Coming from different art backgrounds, we each bring something new and different to the studio from ceramics to paintings to upcycled/repurposed gifts.

They are proud supporters of Cayman charitable groups: Canine Friends, One Dog at a Time, Cayman Heart Foundation, Cayman Crisis Centre, The Breast Cancer Foundation and Stand Up for Cancer

They are proud supporters of Cayman charitable groups: Canine Friends, One Dog at a Time, Cayman Heart Foundation, Cayman Crisis Centre, The Breast Cancer Foundation and Stand Up for Cancer