For me to write about Stanley Greaves is like attempting to write about Dali whose work I could never understand. I suppose mystifying would be the best word to describe Greaves' work. He is a master, in whatever medium he uses. One has to stand, stare, puzzle and eventually almost try to get into Stanley's mind to be able to begin to comprehend his work.

I find his work challenging and breathtaking at the same time. It is not what you would put up in your bedroom to aid rest or induce tranquility. His work makes an impression, challenges your mind, makes you want to act, to ask questions and to want to know more about this man. My friend, one of our best artists, a Caribbean man through and through whose interest has always been focused on the life of working class people which is his background. Greaves feels and expresses his concern deeply.

I have learnt a great deal from him. His work is so compulsive; one just can't turn away, or just glance briefly. You need time to look, ponder, try to decipher and ultimately, enjoy. He has had many showings of his work in the region and his exhibition entitled "There's a meeting here tonight" was a political series of fourteen large works which have been on tour in Guyana, Trinidad and here in Barbados for us to appreciate his message. His previous series of "Mini" paintings featuring blackbirds (Caribbean Grackle) is quite an eye opener.

All of his many works of a lifetime dedicated to artistic expression, have a story to tell. Unfortunately, to have a showing of Stanley's complete works is virtually impossible, for his art is spread far and wide although concentrated in Guyana and Barbados. Someday when we have a National Gallery, we will have the very great privilege of viewing all of our talented, local artists' works in entirety. Until that time, my sincere thanks go out to this fine person who cared enough to record on canvas, some of the truths of our region regarding the life of the people, our empty politics and other social manifestations which have fashioned us, the good, the bad and the ugly.

I hope that Greaves will continue to educate us, keep us restless on our toes and make us more critical of appearances that we may know the true meaning of our being. His biographical data has also been presented here for you to read and please know that I feel very privileged to know this artist well.