Krishna Banwaree Jr

About the Artist

Krishna Banwaree Jr. is a native of St. Croix, Virgin Islands born on August 21, 1978 of artistic parents. From childhood this Crucian expressed his self-taught talent until he became President of the National Arts Honors Society at the Central High School where he graduated in 1997. Krishna has won many awards including three months of conceptual training at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas through Upward Bound. Most notably Krishna received a First Place award to attend an internationally recognized internship noted with excellence in Figure Drawing. He attended internship at the Interlochen Fine Arts School in Michigan; where he received formal art training. He also attended The Prince Georges Community College to further his education in child care and teaching young children. Krishna has worked with the Before and After care programs in DC and MD for the past three years. Krishna is a volunterring visual artist at various Community Centers in Maryland and DC. He has weekly art classes at the Willows and Evergreen Senior Resident Homes in Maryland. The art classes are free of charge and there is a rotating exhibition for the residents and vistors to enjoy. Krishna's organization name is KBJ ARTZ and has been the reciptient of grants that allowed project funding for the past two years.   Krishna considers art a spiritual work inspired by people, places and things. He is particularly influenced by the works of many artists like Lloyd “Dove” Braffith.  Krishna shares the creative energy of his mind, eyes and hands to communicate a network of silent messages through various mediums (e.g. oil, watercolor, and acrylic). Krishna’s wood carvings, portraits, natural life paintings, pottery and calabash craft have been shown and sold in many venues. Krishna is happily married and a proud father of three magnificent, beautiful and talented children. In August 2014 Krishna and his family relocated to Maryland to develop his career in the field of creative art and design. For more information on Krishna please feel free to contact him at (340)226-9941 (c) or via email at [email protected]

Artist's Statement

Mission Celebrating the creative process of visual arts for community development to enhance and increase problem solving and critical thinking. Artist Statement by Krishna Banwaree Jr. When I create my art works, I am reminded that it is a celebration of life in every moment of parenthood. I rely on my experiences as a father and numerous years of dedicated research to refine my art work creations. As I envision my subject matter, I draw sketches and write notes about my ideas. My sketch book notes serve as a catalyst for many of my paintings. I transfer that information to my blank canvas with oils or acrylic paints, creating an underpainting. The inspiration rushes within me yet I am patient in layering the colors to create a delicate nuance in the forms. I spend many days in my art studio sometimes weeks to complete a painting. I enjoy the insight that is achieved when I paint. A labor of love is seen in many of my versatile paintings ranging from traditional, architectural, figurative, still life, portrait and even fantasy. I command each brush stroke with focus on personal interpretation. My experience as an artist has been rewarding from a young age. I was born on a small island in the Caribbean called St. Croix. My parents encouraged my artistic endeavors and they knew I sought to hone my visual art skills. I was a member, Vice President and President of the National Arts Honors Society at the Central High School where I graduated in 1997. I also attended the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas and the Interlochen Arts School in Michigan. I’ve exhibited in countless group and solo art exhibitions at home and abroad. I was fortunate through the passage of time to have shared my experience with many communities. I’ve donated my art works to the Florence Augusta Stephens Williams Public Library, Ethiopian African Black International Congress, environmental programs and public schools on St. Croix. For several years as a student, I sold my art works for fundraising to support the St. Croix Central High School National Arts Honor Society. The funding was used for annual field trips for students to visit art schools and museums in Washington D.C and New York. I consider my art works as way to reach people and to connect with them. The silent messages in my works is for the upliftment of all humanity. I recently moved to the Prince George’s County in Maryland with my wife and our three talented children. I’m currently a full time visual artist completing commissioned projects, volunteering in my community and developing my portfolio. For more information, please feel free to contact at 1 (340) 226-9941 (c) or via email [email protected]