Original Jamaican Beach Sign - Patois

14x18 inches Acrylic on Canvas- This painting is a reflection of Caribbean identity, language, and the way nature and human presence intertwine in island life. The hand-painted sign, reading “Love Your Life, Don’t Swim When Sea Rough,” is a direct reference to the everyday warnings seen along Jamaican beaches—a mix of practical advice and cultural expression.

The use of Patois (Jamaican Creole) in the sign is important; it’s more than just words—it’s a marker of place, identity, and connection. It’s how people speak naturally in Jamaica, a language shaped by history, resilience, and the rhythm of the islands. These kinds of signs aren’t just functional—they carry a sense of warmth, community, and storytelling.

I was drawn to paint this scene because it represents the meeting point of human presence and the natural world—where a simple wooden sign stands among the tangled branches, green leaves, and shifting light of the landscape. The colors are bold, warm, and slightly weathered, much like the real signs you’d find tucked along coastal paths or nailed to coconut trees.

This piece is a way of honoring the visual language of the Caribbean—where everything, from a warning sign to the way the light filters through the trees, carries meaning. It’s about the balance between beauty and caution, freedom and awareness.

For me, this painting isn’t just about what’s written—it’s about the feeling of being there, the deep familiarity of seeing these words, and the way language and environment are inseparable in the Caribbean experience.