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By Vernan George – St. Kitts Nevis Observer
It is often said that curiosity kills the cat, but for one renowned Nevisian artist, curiosity has served as a powerful source of inspiration.
Mr. Vaughn Anslyn of Ramsbury, Nevis, has been driven by curiosity and creativity from an early age. Fascinated by what happens behind the scenes rather than what is presented on the surface, he developed a passion for drawing, painting and building things as a child.
He explained that art came naturally to him and describes it as a God-given gift. During his school years, he often found himself sketching instead of focusing on his assignments, as his love for drawing continued to grow.
Mr. Anslyn draws inspiration from challenges, often stepping outside his comfort zone and using creativity to overcome obstacles. He identified the lack of a mentor and a strong support system as some of the biggest challenges in his career. However, he credited his mother for her unwavering support, noting that she created a dedicated space at home for him to develop his craft.
Recalling a pivotal moment in his career, Mr. Anslyn spoke about receiving a call to travel to Abuja, Nigeria—an opportunity he described as life-changing.
“The trip to Nigeria was God-sent. I could never, in my wildest dreams, have imagined that my talent would take me so far,” he said. “I have always been influenced by African features, their art and the way they dress. When I received the call, I dropped everything, changed my travel plans and knew I had to make that trip.”
He noted that showcasing his work on an international stage helped him realise just how far he had progressed in his craft. Inspired by African art during the visit, he returned to Nevis and created a piece he later exhibited in Africa, which is now housed in an art museum. He described the experience as divine intervention, revealing that shortly after completing the piece, he received a call from Hon. Samal Duggins regarding the trip. He subsequently named the piece Afro Caribbean.
While describing the trip as overwhelmingly positive, Mr. Anslyn expressed disappointment at how it was portrayed publicly.
“I was taken aback by how the general public framed it. They made it a political issue, but there was so much more behind that trip,” he said. “How can you say it is a waste of money when you are empowering your own people and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life? It allows you to appreciate where you come from.”
He added that participants were selected based on talent and noted that the delegation included approximately 30 to 40 individuals from St. Kitts and Nevis, along with others from outside the Federation who recognised the opportunities such exposure could provide.
Offering advice to aspiring artists, Mr. Anslyn emphasised the challenges of pursuing a creative career.
“Being a creative is one of the hardest paths you will take as a profession, because creation is based on feelings,” he said. “Many times, parents push their children towards careers that reflect their own dreams. You have to ask yourself—what is your dream? What is your calling?”
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Anslyn described his greatest achievement as being able to place St. Kitts and Nevis on the map through his work.
Renowned Nevisian artist, Vaughn Anslyn, at work on one of his breathtaking paintings
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