Clifton, born Morant Bay, St Thomas Jamaica, the son of a WW2 RAF Veteran, was always destined to exist and thrive in the Art world. He can only remember wanting to be an artist, being heavily influenced by his father who was a knowledgeable individual who learned from his experiences of travelling.
His father would continuously sketch different objects that he encountered during his travel, such as motor vehicles, buildings, people, aircrafts from his RAF days, and Clifton would in turn imitate his father’s exploits by drawing his own versions them.
Leaving the landscapes of Jamaica by emigrating to England was a major change for Clifton because it opened his mind to a much bigger world. The bitter cold of the United Kingdom in comparison to the constant warmth of Jamaica was a stark contrast, but he was determined to achieve his destiny, by finding his own peaceful and comfortable space and to become a noted Artist.
Clifton had to put food on the table, so he did various other jobs to make ends meet. However, painting was always a part of his day, whether in thoughts or on a canvas. He tells his story of his journey that led to the incredible moment when he was hand-picked by King Charles to be one the Artist selected to commission one of the many Windrush 75 Portraits. Portraits which now grace the walls of Buckingham Palace.
Conclusion
The Morant Bay boy done great is how history should tell his story. As the son of a World War Veteran Clifton finds himself carrying out a service for the realm in a different way to his father who served Queen and Country in the military. The path of life is so unpredictable that never ceases to be amazing.
Editor’s Note
Clifton has come a long way to be selected to commission a portrait for King Charles 111. He probably pinched himself on several occasions in disbelief or maybe he just took it in his stride as a matter of destiny.
