~ Shawn York ~
For many people who have left their home island, coming back is about more than simply returning to a familiar place. It is a chance to reconnect with the culture, memories, language and identity that helped shape who they are. For Sint Maarten-born artist and entrepreneur Shawn York, that connection became the inspiration behind Framing Culture – a creative concept that transforms national anthems and national songs into unique works of art.
Born and raised in Sint Maarten, Shawn travelled to the Netherlands as a student in 2008 and has since built his life and career there. Through his company, 37 Square Miles, and his Framing Culture collection, he has found a way to bring Caribbean identity into contemporary artwork.
More than a souvenir! The idea behind Framing Culture is simple but meaningful: The words of a country's national anthem or national song are arranged to form the outline of the country or island itself. The result is a modern piece of artwork that carries a much deeper meaning than a traditional souvenir. “It's about celebrating where we come from,” Shawn explains. “The artwork represents home, heritage and identity.”
Each piece tells a story. The shape immediately identifies the island or country, while the words within it connect the artwork to the history, culture and sense of belonging associated with that place. The collection currently includes designs representing several Caribbean islands and countries, including Sint Maarten, Curaçao, Aruba, Suriname, Haiti, Jamaica, Saba and St. Eustatius, with more designs forming part of the growing collection.
Bringing the collection home, Shawn is currently on Sint Maarten for a brief stay and is making himself available to meet directly with customers and anyone interested in learning more about Framing Culture. Visitors can view the collection, discuss available designs, place orders and talk with Shawn about creating custom pieces.
For Shawn, being able to personally introduce the work on the island where his own story began makes the visit particularly meaningful. Although he will eventually return to the Netherlands, the Framing Culture pieces will continue to be available after his departure.
Look at is as a different way to celebrate home. In a world where souvenirs can often feel mass-produced and disconnected from the places they represent, Framing Culture offers something more personal. The artwork combines design, language and geography to create something that can serve as both a statement piece and a reminder of home.
For people from the Caribbean living abroad, it can represent a connection to the island they left behind. For those still living at home, it can be a contemporary celebration of where they come from. For Shawn, the concept is ultimately about keeping culture visible and meaningful. Framing Culture is not just about putting words into the shape of an island, it is about taking the words that represent a nation and turning them into something people can see, display and carry with them. It is, in every sense, a way of framing culture.
Connect with Framing Culture by following the collection and seeing the latest designs on social media: Instagram: @Framing_Culture; Facebook: @framingcultureofficial.
Shawn York will be on Sint Maarten until August 30 and is available during his stay to meet customers, showcase the collection, take orders and discuss custom artwork.
Visit www.etsy.com/shop/FramingCulture
