The Danguillecourt Project (TDP) is proud to present Islands of the Sun: A Tribute to the Northern Exuma Cays, Bahamas, featuring the work of two young Bahamians: text and illustrations by John A. Thompson, and colour photographs by Lyford Cay Foundation scholar Nikita Shiel-Rolle.
Spectacular images and intriguing text tour the reader through the ecosystems of the central Bahamas, from the hilltops to the depths of the ocean. The book is an unprecedented fusion of science and art, guaranteed to fascinate and educate young and old alike.
All proceeds from Islands of the Sun will directly support the environmental and educational programmes of TDP, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the Bahamian environment through education, research and art. TDP operates under the direction of Dr. Pamela Reid of the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and, in addition to conducting research, offers free after-school clubs, workshops and summer camps.
A book signing and art show to accompany the launch of Islands of the Sun will take place on Friday, November 13, 2009, from 5:00PM – 9:00PM at Doongalik Studios in the Atlantis Marina Village on Paradise Island.
Publication of this volume was supported in part by The Nature Conservancy, and The Bahamas National Trust facilitated fieldwork. The book is dedicated to the late Sergio and Jacqueline Kriz Danguillecourt, in honour of the deep love they shared for the northern Exuma Cays.
Nikita Shiel-Rolle received a Bahamas Billfish Championship Scholarship in 2006 and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marine Affairs at the University of Miami. She developed her underwater photography skills at Stuart Cove Dive Bahamas. One of the founders of TDP, she recently spearheaded the creation of the Young Bahamian Marine Scientists, an educational component of TDP that seeks to engage Bahamian youth in environmental stewardship by promoting an understanding of the marine sciences through scientific and artistic activities.
“I have loved every process of creating this book because, ultimately, being face to face with nature is what I live for,” says Nikita. “At the same time, knowing that Islands of the Sun will serve as an educational tool for all who open its cover is even more inspiring. The images are my way of expressing my love for and fascination with the Bahamian environment.”
Born in 1980, naturalist and artist John A. Thompson’s passion for nature was instilled at an early age by parents with marine science backgrounds. He started drawing the bird, fish and plant life of The Bahamas at age four, and today his works hang in private collections throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean and North America.
“This volume is the culmination of three years of labour in and out of the Exuma Cays,” says John. “Nikita and I are incredibly proud to have an end result that may serve equally well either as a collectors’ coffee table book loaded with beautiful images or as a reference book on the flora and fauna of the central Bahamas. We are very grateful to all of the supporters of the Danguillecourt Project. Every penny generated by sales of this book will go right back into the organization to further the education of young Bahamians about their marine environment, conduct important scientific research, and increase the public’s appreciation of the ecosystems of the Bahamas through artwork. We truly hope that everyone who seeks this book will enjoy it.”
For additional information about The Danguillecourt Project and John and Nikita’s work please visit http://www.tropicbirds.org.
