From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Unique Book Offers Window into Bahamian Natural History
Nov 12, 2009 - 11:57:33 PM
Nassau, Bahamas -
Book Launch, Art Exhibition and
Signing for
'Islands in the Sun' an incredible
publication by two young Bahamians, John A. Thompson and Nikita Shiel-Rolle, to
be held on
Friday, November 13 from 5.00 - 9.00 pm at Doongalik Studios Art
Gallery, Marina Village at Paradise
Island.
Doongalik is proud to be
hosting this event following the highly successful 'Save the Turtles' Art
Exhibition in September. All proceeds from the sale of the Book will directly
support the environmental and educational programs of the non-profit
Danguillecourt Project, such as Young Bahamian Marine Scientists' after school
clubs, workshops, and summer camps...
The Danguillecourt Project,
a Bahamian non profit environmental organization operating in collaboration
with the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric
Science, presents ‘Islands of the Sun: a Tribute to the Northern Exuma
Cays, Bahamas’. This spectacularly illustrated book tours the reader
through the ecosystems of the central Bahamas, from the hilltops to
the depths of the ocean. The book functions as an informative reference
volume as well as a monumental work of art, with photographs and painted
illustrations bringing to life the unique and diverse plants and animals
of the Exuma Cays.
The culmination of a three-year
effort, every chapter in the book features a different habitat, showcasing
the wondrous and bizarre organisms that make their homes in this tropical
island idyll. Remarkable colour photographs depict a range of life from
orchids and rock iguanas to sea slugs and reef sharks. All in all, over
250 members of flora and fauna are featured. Accompanying text informs
the reader about these species, including their historical and cultural
value as food or medicine. Every chapter opens with a two-page landscape
painting of the selected habitat and its denizens. Each chapter
additionally features a ‘special focus’ section dedicated to a plant
or animal of particular interest specific to that habitat.
This is a landmark publication
both from an artistic and a scientific point of view, as Bahamas-specific
volumes are rare. Co-authored by two young Bahamians, John A.
Thompson and Nikita Shiel-Rolle, the scope of the gorgeous imagery and
informative text set this book apart- an unprecedented fusion of science
and art guaranteed to fascinate and educate young and old alike.
Publication of ‘Islands of
the Sun’ was supported in part by The Nature Conservancy; the Bahamas
National Trust facilitated field work. The book is dedicated to Sergio
& Jacqueline Kriz Danguillecourt, in celebration of the deep love
they shared for the northern Exuma Cays. ‘Islands of the Sun’ was
produced for The Danguillecourt Project by Neko Meicholas, Guanima Press
Ltd, and printed by AC Graphics, a certified green printer using paper
from well-managed forests and vegetable-based inks. All proceeds from
‘Islands of the Sun’ will support environmental educational activities
of The Danguillecourt Project, such as Young Bahamian Marine Scientists
programme, after school clubs, and summer camps.
|
JOHN A.THOMPSON -
A Bahamian
born in 1980, John has had a passion for the natural world that was instilled at
a young age by parents with marine science backgrounds. Since early childhood,
he has studied, drawn and painted the wonders of the natural world around him.
He lives in Nassau, where he divides his time between painting and catering.
This is his first book.
NIKITA SHIEL-ROLLE
- Nikita,
a Bahamian born in 1987, developed a passion for photography and the marine
environment while growing up exploring the outdoors of Nassau. She is currently
enrolled in the University of Miami’s Marine Affairs and Policy program.
Strongly committed to empowering Bahamian youth through environmental education,
Nikita also founded and directs The Young Bahamian Marine Scientists program.
This is her first book
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