Prominent St. Lucian Sculptor Vincent Joseph Eudovic Has Died

CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The internationally renowned wood sculptor, Vincent Joseph Eudovic, died at his home in Goodlands on the outskirts of the capital on Monday. He was 83. The cause of death has not been disclosed

Vincent Joseph EudovicEudovic has been described as one of the Caribbean’s most revered sculptors, who started sculpting at a very young age, taking part in his first exhibition when he was 12 years old. His sculpture, Ali Baba, won the first prize of EC$15.

Eudovic used local woods for his abstract carvings, and since no two roots are the same, every single sculpture is unique and different.

He studied sculpting in Trinidad and Tobago and became a protégé of famed artist Ricardo Vincenté. When he returned to St. Lucia he taught art and craft at the Choiseul handicraft centre.

Through a United Nations scholarship he travelled to Nigeria, where he discovered many extraordinary artists who taught and influenced him significantly. He first studied monumental sculptures with artists who worked on gigantic pieces almost twenty feet high. After he was initiated into the traditional art of Yoruba, he studied the artistic symbols of the people and their tradition of sculpting which is old and very elaborate. He also studied modern art during his time in Nigeria.

Eudovic returned home to share his skills and also conducted workshops throughout the Caribbean. He later opened his own gallery and workshop at Goodlands, Castries, which is a major tourist attraction.

Eudovic has participated in many competitions over the years, including the Caribbean’s first wood carving exhibition held in Guadeloupe in 1975, where he won the Golden Medal Award for best Caribbean Wood Sculptor.

His works were shown at the first Caribbean Heads of Government Conference in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and Suriname as well as in Munich, Germany.

His works have also been displayed extensively in many other countries. It includes the ST. Kitts-Nevis based Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) the United Nations in Geneva as well as in many private collections and museums worldwide.

In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire said Eudovic’s life was one of extraordinary contribution to the development of St. Lucia’s cultural identity.

“Through his unmatched skill and creative spirit, he gave voice and form to the stories, struggles, and triumphs of our people. His sculptures, shaped by hand but guided by history and heart, are lasting testaments to his dedication to preserving and celebrating our heritage.”

The Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information Minister said he had the distinct privilege of witnessing the immense impact Eudovic “made not only as an artist but as a mentor, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador.

“His studio in Goodlands stood as a cornerstone of our creative economy and a haven for the development of young artistic talent. He gave freely of his wisdom, empowering the next generation of St. Lucian artists to find their voice and pursue their craft with confidence and pride,”  Hilaire said, adding “his artistry brought Saint Lucia to the world, and his legacy will remain etched not only in wood, but in the heart of the nation”.