Today Guardian A&C starts a new weekly feature, 20 Questions, where we ask Bahamians in the local arts and culture community to answer a fixed set of questions. This week we feature metal sculptor Tyrone Ferguson.
What's been your most inspirational moment in the last five years?
I was sitting on this balcony on the waterfront just as the sun was rising, in Spanish Wells (Eleuthera), a few weeks ago. It was a Sunday morning and a boat was moving slowly parallel to the shoreline, making a wake in water that was otherwise still as glass. Gospel music could be heard above the sound of the boat's engine and the speed of the boat seemed perfectly synchronized with the music. Three dolphins were following the boat and I am sure that they were leaping out of the water dancing to the tune of the music. To me this was a most inspiring moment.
What's your least favorite piece of artwork?
My least favorite piece of artwork would be gates I made about 25 years ago. These gates were supposed to be organic and fun but I allowed the client who commissioned the gates to become too involved in the process. Our relationship and the gates survived but there were some pretty tense stand-off moments. I still get a not too good feeling when driving by these gates. These gates were never in my portfolio and I never mention them when talking about my work.
What's your favorite period of art history?
It would have to be the renaissance period, not just for the artwork but also for the social, theological and philosophical conversations going on at that time.
What are your top 5 movies of all time?
1. Kingdom Of Heaven
2. Invictus
3. Shawshank Redemption
4. The Graduate
5. The Silence of The Lambs
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee: medium roast, freshly ground (French pressed), Blue Mountain or Haitian grown.
What book are you reading now?
Carl Jung: Wounded Healer of The Soul.
What project are you working on now?
Just finishing my contribution for "Kingdom Come" opening November 15 at NAGB.
What's the last show that surprised you?
A show that stands out in my mind would be "Global Caribbean" in 2010 at Little Haiti Cultural Center, downtown Miami. Blue Curry was one of the artists and Dr. Erica James was one of the writers for the catalogue. It was a pleasant surprise to see that we have much more in common than we do not have.
Saxons, One Family, Valley Boys or Roots?
At this point in my life, I view, enjoy Junkanoo as ONE cultural expression, with each group being a part of that whole.
If you had to be stranded on one Family Island which one would it be?
Hard to be objective with this question: My family first settled in Exuma and I go there as often as I can.
What's the most memorable artwork you've ever seen?
It would have to be the "David" by Michelangelo. I got goosebumps when I walked up to it for the first time.
Which artist do you have a secret crush on?
Frida Kahlo. I am just as fascinated by her tumultuous life as I am with her artwork.
If you could have lunch with anyone who would it be?
(Nelson) Mandela. I have been mentored and shaped by him to a great extent.
Who do you think is the most important Bahamian in the country's history?
I am afraid that I will have to take a pass on this question. The lenses I use to view people would make it hard for me to consider one person more important than another.
Who is your favorite living artist?
I am going local with this one. I have worked closely with Antonius Roberts for many years. He is not only my favorite artist, he is also a friend and mentor.
Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunset, definitely! The way the sun drops over the horizon is simply magical -- if you blink you may miss it.
What role does the artist have in society?
The major role of the artist is to remind us that art is just as important for our existence as food is.
What's your most embarrassing moment?
I have had so many close runners that picking a number one would be hard. But I am an introvert at heart, and to talk honestly about a most embarrassing moment is not something I would easily do.
What wouldn't you do without?
Relationships.
What's your definition of beauty?
Beauty is anything that stimulates our sensory perception without bringing disrespect to a person, place or thing.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian