Back in the day billboards and business signs were hand painted, often evolving into a form of art. These signs are no comparison to computer generated graphics, which can lack vibrance and creativity. In some areas of the country where excessive signage can result in visual clutter, it is the hand painted ones that stand out the most, and in San Pedro that couldn’t be more true.
Fortunately, there are a handful of artisan sign painters on the island whose works perpetuate the lost art, and Trinidadian brothers Lenny and Neville Bonardy are some of the best around. When it came time for a My Beautiful Belize wall sign at the San Pedro Roman Catholic School downtown, we knew they were the guys for the job. We wanted to showcase our publication in the prettiest way possible!
These super talented brothers took their training as commercial artists in Port of Spain and they are also gifted musicians, as were their father and brothers. They play instrumental music in many Latin styles under the name ” Mangrove Riddums,” and for many years were resident musicians in Venezuela.
Their distinctive style sets the signs they paint apart from all others, and we are grateful to be a “collector” of their work. Thank you Lenny and Neville!
Be on the lookout for our wall sign on Tarpon Street, and snap and share a selfie with us! We’d love to feature it as photo of the day on www.mybeautifulbelize.com!