CHARITY CHI
The Energy of Giving
Art directed toward humanitarian impact.
Jamaica Rise is the inaugural work within Charity Chi, dedicated to supporting recovery efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
Jamaica Rise
Following a segment aired on Good Morning Britain featuring Sir Lenny Henry addressing Jamaica’s recovery campaign, I was contacted and asked to watch the broadcast.
What I saw, especially the scenes involving the children, devastated me.
The scale of loss was undeniable. The images remained.
Although I had already begun supporting donation efforts locally, that moment marked a deeper commitment. Jamaica Rise, created as a charitable donation piece for an international event, was formally dedicated to hurricane recovery efforts.
The work is now released as a Limited Edition, available within the UK and internationally, extending both its reach and its purpose.
As reported by The Voice, Jamaica is set to receive significant international financial support following Hurricane Melissa, reflecting the scale of devastation and the sustained recovery required.
Humanitarian Response
Support is being directed through the British Red Cross Disaster Fund, enabling rapid response to crises such as the recent hurricane in Jamaica.
£560,000 from this fund was allocated to urgent humanitarian needs, including:
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Emergency shelter
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Hygiene kits containing essential supplies
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Direct cash assistance to families
On the ground, the Jamaica Red Cross mobilised 400 volunteers who:
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Evacuated vulnerable communities
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Distributed 3,330 blankets
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Provided 1,023 shelter toolkits
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Supplied 2,523 tarpaulins
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Delivered 1,026 hygiene kits
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Distributed 800 mosquito nets
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Supplied 225 jerry cans
Across the island, 881 shelters were opened.
The response has been significant. The need remains.
Artist Statement
This piece has been a true treasure to create. It stands as a tribute to Jamaica in the wake of Melissa and the heavy moments our island has endured. At the centre is the shiitake mushroom, chosen for what it represents: renewal, endurance, and the quiet power to rise again. It becomes a symbol of Jamaica’s spirit: battered, yes, but unbroken.
Behind it, I blended glass-like reflections, soft distortions that act as a mirror into our shared memory. They hold space for grief, for reflection, and for the truths we cannot turn away from. Threaded through the background are fine touches of black fungus, adding depth and texture a reminder of the shadows we rise from, not to celebrate them, but to acknowledge where strength is born.
The single shiitake glows from the soil, standing in defiance of darkness. Its light carries the message that Jamaica rises with dignity, courage, and grace. And in the distance, I hear the voice of one of Jamaica’s legendary sons, Bob Andy, singing:
“So I can sing… doo doo doo doo.”
A quiet reminder that the sun will never stop shining on Jamaica.
This artwork was made with love, contemplation, and deep intention.
Thank you for taking a moment to feel it.
Look closely, share it, and hold its message
Inspiration
Bob Andy's work holds a distinct place in Jamaican music, defined by lyrical clarity, restraint, and depth.
A founding member of The Paragons and later a key writer at Studio One, his work helped shape a foundation that continues to resonate.
With Marcia Griffiths, Young, Gifted and Black reached international audiences, including appearances on Top of the Pops, extending that voice beyond Jamaica.
The song itself, written outside of his catalogue and carried across artists and generations, reflects a wider cultural depth aligned with his work.
His contribution to music was formally recognised in Jamaica with the award of the Order of Distinction.
During the creation of Jamaica Rise, “Sun Shines for Me” became a quiet point of reference.
Not as influence alone, but as alignment.
Its restrained optimism and quiet assurance informed the emotional atmosphere of the work, a reminder that even after a storm, light returns.
Upcoming Auction
Jamaica Rise will be auctioned to support the British Red Cross.
Proceeds will go towards the Disaster Fund (see above), which enables the British Red Cross to respond rapidly when crisis strikes around the world. This fund has supported hurricane recovery efforts in Jamaica.
Further details, including auction dates and participation information, will be shared here.
Charity Chi is directing creative energy toward meaningful impact.
ANGEL FALLS
Mixed Media
Black fungus mushroom, layered glass, and woven fabric
Artist Statement
This mixed-media piece brings together black fungus mushroom, layered glass, and woven fabric, allowing natural textures to meet in quiet conversation.
The rough sits beside the smooth. Dark meets light. Layers peel back to reveal what lies beneath, reminding us that the earth carries its own memory, shaped over time by movement, pressure, and change.
As I created this piece, I was listening to Jon Batiste's Beethoven Blues. The music carried both joy and sorrow, and that emotional energy quietly guided my hands. Without knowing why, I found myself drawn towards a landscape that felt ancient, powerful, and alive.
Only after the work was complete did I discover echoes of Angel Falls in Venezuela. Around the same time, the country experienced devastating earthquakes. The connection was unexpected, yet it deepened my understanding of the piece.
Creating has taught me to trust those quiet feelings. Not every answer arrives in the moment. Sometimes the work knows before we do. In time, understanding gently reveals itself, reminding us that when we listen closely to our intuition, meaning has a way of finding us.
PATALE CHHANGO
Mixed Media
Black fungus mushroom, layered glass, and woven fabric
Artist Statement
Sometimes a piece of work doesn't quite leave you.
Usually, when I finish something, I make space for the new with excitement for whatever comes next.
But this piece stayed with me.
It first began with Angel Falls, Venezuela: water, movement, and the changing landscape becoming part of its story.
Now, as my thoughts turn to Nepal, the work has moved again, this time towards Patale Chhango.
And I think I finally understand why I haven't been able to let this piece go.
Perhaps the universe gave me this work to keep open.
Not belonging to one place or one moment, but able to move, change and shed a little light where it is needed.
I have come to think of it as revolving art.
The artwork remains, but its purpose can move.
Black fungus mushroom, layered glass and woven fabric come together, rough beside smooth, dark beside light, each carrying its own history.
And through it all, water continues to flow.
As I work, I am still listening to Jon Batiste's Beethoven Blues.
Music playing.
Hands working.
Nepal in my thoughts.
For this chapter, the piece is Patale Chhango, offered as a charitable gift with care for the people and communities affected.
I don't know where this artwork may take me next.
And perhaps I'm not supposed to.
For now, I will leave it open.
Let the work find where it needs to go.