Roland “Scrapie” Dopwell is the recipient of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Vincentian Association of Artistes, Writers and Producers (AAWP).
He was bestowed the accolade in recognition of his outstanding contribution as an artist and sculptor, and involving himself in an intimate way for some fifty years in helping to foster the cultural heritage of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Award was presented during an Evening of the Arts, 10th March, 2023, the culmination of a week-long National Literary Fair hosted annually by The UWI Open Campus (SVG), to celebrate writers, artist, artistes, producers and creatives generally.
In a citation before she presented Dopwell with his Award, René Baptiste, President of the AAWP, spoke of the honoured recipient as having been woven into the carnival fabric from an early age, even being crowned Junior King at the tender age of ten.
Entering the world of craft
Dopwell’s love for art was deepened when he became acquainted with renowned Carnival Band Leader and Craft Instructor- Lennox “Scully” Hunte.
This association began while Dopwell was still at the then Richmond Hill Primary School and extended to periods during the Carnival season when he enthusiastically assisted in “Scully’s” mas camp.
Dopwell never attended secondary school but he wrote the now disbanded School Leavings Certificate and joined the world of work at the age of 15.
He formally learned craft at the Craft Center under the tutelage of “Scully” and made good use of the knowledge gained from courses in wire bending techniques.
Baptiste repeated an incident that is, according to Dopwell, lodged for a lifetime in his consciousness.
He recalled the occasion, Baptiste said, on which he asked his mentor “Scully” for five dollars and was refused.
“Scully” instead made a sketch and told Dopwell to replicate these in wire. Still a novice, he was however confident that he had replicated the sketch perfectly.
Later that day, “Scully” handed him a $10 bill and explained that the two pairs of earrings he had made from his sketches had been sold.
That vital lesson became fundamental in driving Dopwell to earn a living at his craft. Upon his return to the Craft Center the following day, he had a new impetus.
From SVG to NY and back
His work with metals began first with using discarded vehicle parts which were to be restored.
He credits the influence of a Japanese expert brought to SVG by UNESCO/International Labour Oragnisation (ILO), for advancing much of his technical skills over a two-year period.
He recalled going beyond the half day sessions, well into a full day with the instructor.
Others in that programme included artisan/artists like Colin Sardine, Caswell Samuel, James Cruickshank and Anne Toney.
Now a trained, qualified jeweler, Dopwell left SVG for New York in October 1977 and worked in a factory for about a year.
Not one for the regimented 9am-5pm work schedule, he left the job and became a self-employed jeweler.
But the jewelry business in New York was highly competitive so he complemented his work in jewelry by making wall plaques, trophies and other small item craft. His unique style soon became a favourite in New York and he was called upon to make accessories for use by models in fashion shows.
Now 69-years of age, he will turn 70 in April, he prides himself that his work is in the hands of dignitaries and has been showcased at local, regional and international exhibitions. He proudly represents his country.
Although he has challenges with his sight, Dopwell, a proud resident of McKies Hill, could sense the love permeating from the gathering.
Upon receiving the Award and as a standing ovation eventually came to an end, he responded with tears in his eyes: “Thanks for coming out, just got emotional…thank you.”
SOURCE :THE VINCENTIAN