Born: 7 May 1944

James Armstrong, or "Jim" as he is commonly known, is a self taught artist who hails from Tobago. He began painting at about the age of twelve just after entering high school. His early interest in painting was influenced by his grandmother, Teacher Willie, (Wilhelmena Armstrong) whom he had often watched drawing pictures to assist with lessons for her elementary school charges. At the time Jim did not have access to conventional painting materials and used left over household paints on various surfaces, including discarded glass panes and board.

In recognition of his budding talent Jim was encouraged by his aunt Eileen (Guillaume), then cultural officer in Tobago, to join the Tobago Art Group (TAG). At the TAG he was introduced to senior members such as Edward Hernandez and Enola Arnold. Edward was one of the regular tutors providing critique and guidance to Jim and many of the then younger artists. Further critiques were provided by renowned artists such as M. P. Alladin who visited Tobago on occasions, particularly for the annual art exhibition of the TAG. Within a few years Jim became a senior member of the TAG and in turn assisted with the junior group. His intention at that time was to become a professional artist and art tutor.

Jim held his first one-man exhibition in 1965 at the Scarborough library. This exhibition was well received, and as was the practice with young artists at the time, many of the works were simply given to friends and relatives. In subsequent years his works were included in national exhibitions in Trinidad and abroad, as well as in Brazil, Ottawa, Toronto and Expo 67 in Montreal. Nonetheless, the pursuit of art was generally seen as a part-time engagement and there was little encouragement to take this up as a full-time career. In fact, at the time the idea of being an artist was often frowned upon, as was the idea of playing the tenor steel pan for which he also had an inclination. After much agony Jim decided in 1967 to shelve the idea of pursuing a career in art and instead migrated to North America to study environmental design and urban/regional planning. He obtained a Ph.D. in the latter and joined the employ of the United Nations in 1975 with a view to eventually return to painting full-time. The demands of a UN career did not always allow for much painting. However, he continued to paint as time permitted and exhibited through the years in various parts of the world to which he was posted. Just over half of his UN career was spent in Africa during which time he studied and collected African art. He has one of the finest collections of African sculpture in Trinidad and Tobago.

If pressed, Jim describes his basic style of painting as impressionist. However, he does not like the idea of being pigeonholed into a specific style. He has been prone to produce quite abstract paintings depending on his mood and yearning for creative exploration and expression. In recent years he has produced works which have shown an influence of African motifs. Perhaps, as M.P. Alladin once said of him, "his works can be best recognized by his use of colour." Jim advises that even this is no longer always predictable.
In 2001 Jim took early retirement from the UN and returned to Trinidad and Tobago primarily to concentrate, inter alia, on painting and lecturing. His works were recently included in the Trinidad and Tobago collection at Carifesta in St. Kitts - Nevis; national exhibitions, and the annual November exhibition of the Trinidad Art Society. The National Museum has also recently acquired pieces of his works for the national collection.
In June 2002 he will unveil a one-man exhibition in conjunction with the launch of the Tobago Heritage Festival for this year. The exhibition will be moved to Trinidad in July/August 2002.

email:armstro7@hotmail.com

Tel.: (868) 628 1353- cell: (868) 682 6464

Exhibition at ASTT: December 2005- click here

Celebration of the Masai Acrylic - 36 x 24"
Indian Dancers - Oil - 36 x 36"
Movement of the Spirit - Oil 24 x 28"
Private Dancer Oil 36 x 24"	Pensive Oil 48 x 24"