Galleon Arts • Artists

Neville Raphael John

Born in Point Cumana on the Western peninsula of Trinidad in 1943, Neville began his painting career in the early sixties as a self taught teenager. It was not long after his start that he was introduced to the Sybil Atteck Art Gallery which operated out of the now defunct Salvatori Building on Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain. Here he was influenced by, exhibited with and sold paintings with many of those who are now recognized as some of Trinidad and Tobago's foremost artists.

It was also during this time that he was influenced by the likes of Lloyd Harris and MP Alladin who gathered young artists at what is now the Emperor Valley Zoo and Botanical Gardens to share tips on the creation of fine artwork

Things went well until 1970 when change swept across the country. Not too long after, activity at the gallery slowed and then ceased.

Encouraged by Al Akong, both then refocused the core of their energies into the world of electronics. He was eventually qualified in the electronics technology field in 1975. Over the years he has continued to paint but has not been as prolific as in his earlier years, instead focusing on his electronics business. Today he resides with his wife Felicita, of 35 years in Cleaver Road, Arima.