|
The
Man behind the carnival frames - Wire Bender - Artist Stephen Derek
Born in Woodbrook, Stephen Derek mastered the traditional skills of
Mas making from Wire bending to Moulding, Carving, Cane work,
Crafts. He spent his boyhood days following the legendary Masman
George Bailey and brothers Alvin (deceased) and Albert Bailey,
watching and learning the art of Mas making. Stephen is a walking
encyclopaedia of information on the Culture of Trinidad (Mas). He
started playing Mas at the age of and in 1978 brought out his own
band with the portrayal ‘D’ Midas Touch’, that year he played King
for his band and placed 3rd on Final night Dimanche Gras in a
costume named King Midas and D’ Golden Swan. From then the band
took the name D’ Midas Associates with their Costumes and
Presentations easily identified by the trademark D’ at the start of
their names.
Many
found his designs and costumes could be compared to his mentor
George Bailey. Stephen puts a lot of emphasis on detail. He would
have you redo work not considered neat, believing costumes should
not be falling apart on the road.
Having
established himself in Trinidad Carnival, Stephen started taking his
talents to Carnivals which stated on other Caribbean islands, then
further afield as his talent was being recognised by foreigners
during our Carnival. D’Midas went International with Headquarters in
New York, Boston and Canada. He has done work in St Thomas, Tortola,
St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent, New York, Boston,
California, Canada, The United Kingdom and Africa to name a few.
In
1972 he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his
contribution to Culture.
|
