LeRoy Clarke is considered to be one of Trinidad and Tobago's finest contemporary artists.

And at 67, he continues to test his artistic mettle in visual and literary work.

Mr. Clarke is largely self-taught and he has had a lengthy association with the theatre and the literary world.

He is credited with showcasing Trinidad and Tobago's rich African heritage during a period dominated by artistic eclecticism.

Caribbean art historian Geoffrey Maclean said, “Clarke sought to validate the strong religious, cultural and social associations that exist between the Caribbean and Africa”.

Mr. Clarke was born in Port-of-Spain, an environment, which he credits with providing a rich backdrop for his artistic endeavours.

He has painted, sang, drew and became heavily involved in Trinidad's theatrical community. By the time he was 28, his work was so impressive that he held his first solo exhibition in Trinidad entitled ‘A Labour of Love'. This was soon followed by another solo exhibition in Brazil and an exhibition at the Montreal Expo in 1967.

“Seeking to expand my horizons, I emigrated to the US in 1966,” he said.

“Here I continued to develop my style and distinguish myself as an artist who was deadly serious about African-based spiritual traditions and the lack of cultural liberation emerging in contemporary Caribbean art.

“I returned to Trinidad where I have continued to produce thought-provoking art.”

Mr. Clarke's list of credentials reads like the ultimate artist's resume. He was Trinidad Theatre Workshop's first stage manager and has had documentaries made of his life and his art. His work has also been exhibited world-wide.

He was also the first artist-in-residence at the Studio Museum of Harlem from 1969-1975 and he was one of 16 artists of international standing selected to create a work inspired by the sacred Ifa of the Yoruba people.

Mr. Clarke is a much sought-after orator and he is a skilful poet whose poems have come to life on the pages of his latest book entitled Eyeing de Word - Love Poems for Ettylene.

Today, he is a man who continues to be serious about the role art plays in society and about the critical need for nations and its people to embrace a philosophy.

He said: “Without a philosophy of its own, a nation/people have no foundation upon which to pivot.

“This is critical. Our quest now has to be one of essence; to inhabit ourselves, registering complete faith in our own possibilities, rendering unto ourselves that which is only ours and inherent, and without which, we are idle and rudderless in the wide and open season of the world, ready victims to be sacrificed of the designs of whatever circumstance; ready and willing to be invaded and rearranged by whomsoever, whenever they feel like it.

“Our task is the profound act of beginning. It is a task that without a doubt ushers forth from every degree, difficulties, which, no matter how they are viewed in our present frame of mind of consciousness, will appear insurmountable.

“For that which we must perceive as reward beyond the tasks resides in the task itself and can only be attained by atoning the task with complete resolve.”

Mr. Clarke will be at the Masterworks Foundation on Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. He will working on a 20-foot mural, which is located just to the left of the Masterworks building. The public are invited to participate and supplies will be provided by the Bank of Butterfield.