Sometimes in life we encounter people who impact our lives simply because of their essence—those that can affect change in the world, not only by using
their gifts, but also by being caring and kind to all those they meet. Jennifer
“Pepperstorm” Lewis was such an individual. Her boundless energy, generosity,
and talent surpassed borders and boundaries, and her infectious personality and
kind disposition touched the lives of many.
We connected through the internet as artists with Caribbean
lineage, and a flair for the distinctive—it was as if we were kindred creative souls.
Although I never met her, I could clearly sense her energy through the emails
that we shared. She appeared to be a person of peace, authenticity and
kindness.
Jennifer Lewis, aka Louie Pepperstorm was born in Britain in
June of 1966 to parents from St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). As the
youngest of three sisters, she was exceedingly creative, and forward thinking. Her mother, Mrs. Daisy Lewis encouraged
Jennifer to draw and paint from a young age. By her teenage years she was
selling hand painted t-shirts and had started her own business. Soon she would
go on to pursue a higher education in art.
In addition to receiving an advanced degree in art, Jennifer
went on to graduate from Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in
London U.K. in 1997 with a degree in Jewelry Design. Jennifer Lewis worked in the U.K. as a commercial artist
where, amongst other things, she worked on music videos designing sets and
styling the models and musicians. She would eventually come to work with the
popular music group Soul to Soul, designing for them and enhancing their performance
outfits and sets with her creative genius, while they traveled the world.
By using a variety of mediums, Jennifer was able to create
magical and ethereal works of art that seemed otherworldly. Many of her
paintings were influenced by her connection to her native island of St.
Vincent, but one could also say that her influences came from the many places
that she traveled throughout the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, Australia, and
Asia. In particular, Lewis felt a strong connection to Africa, and it was very
clear in her powerful imagery of people of color.
Lewis’ work captured the spirit of a people in a magical way.
In addition to painting, she created sculpture, pottery and hand-made jewelry.
She was also an educator who participated in workshops, and assisted her
community on a regular basis. Jennifer was an active woman filled with vitality
and passion. With her vivacious use of
color and her fantastical jewelry, with their fascinating sculptural effects, Lewis’
work simply illuminated the range of her creative skills.
"Jennifer was more like an older sister to me, she always encouraged and helped me pursue my interest’s and to be confident." -Denai
Jennifer, who had recently moved back to St. Vincent and the
Grenadines to care for her parents, had taken up work as an educator working
with artists and students around the island. Her vast creative experience and
world travel was welcomed and appreciated by all on the island. Her works have been exhibited widely throughout the U.K., and has touched the lives of people throughout the world.
On June 15th 2012, Jennifer Lewis celebrated her
46th birthday. She had just secured her own work space in St.
Vincent, and her family in the U.K. had just packed up her belongings and
shipped what her sister calls, “her whole life,” to SVG.
On Sunday night, June 17, 2012 at 3:00 am, Jennifer awoke to the sound of
the dog barking. Perplexed, she walked down the stairs, and opened the window to
check on him. Robbers attempting to break into her home shot her in the chest,
killing her.
Her loving family is still reeling from the death of
Jennifer. Family, friends, associates, and those that she touched with her
spirit are all shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of such a talented
and amazingly kind person.
The perpetrators have been arrested and are currently facing
trial—we pray for a swift punishment for these criminals so that Jennifer’s
family can begin to heal.
I want to thank her sister Hazelanne, and her nephew Denai,
for taking time during this difficult circumstance to communicate with us here
at Cultured Artists™, and for allowing us to write about Jennifer. She was an
amazing person that meant a lot to many people, and although my experience
communicating with her was minimal—I felt a strong connection to her and her
work.We will continue praying for the healing of her family
during this difficult time.
“Jen was full of life and was tolerant of
others and was excited about what she was planning to do. She had an inner peace about her and she was always encouraging and had
patience with people.”
--Hazelanne Lewis
Jennifer Lewis aka Louie Pepperstorm’s work will truly live
on. She has created an amazing legacy by creating astounding work for herself
and for the community. Please continue to support her by visiting her website
at:
Sources-
The
Vincentian and Jennifer Lewis' family
All images are © copyrighted by the artist unless otherwise noted. Images cannot be reproduced without permission of the artist.
Cultured Artists™ ©2012
