Harvey Ebanks

Harvey Ebanks, a former seaman and World War II veteran, began painting at the age of 75. A self-taught artist, Ebanks painted predominantly from recollection, capturing Cayman’s fading turtling industry and maritime traditions.

This dynamic seascape likely a regatta of schooners evokes a time when such vessels were central to island life. Painted not with photographic precision but with emotional clarity, the work reflects Ebanks’ personal perspective on a communal event.

On the top of the work is a paraphrase of the bible verse: “The race is not for the swift only but for those who endureth until the end.”. The quote offers insight into the artist’s worldview one shaped by endurance, faith, and life at sea.

This work demonstrates how intuitive art practices can preserve moments of personal and cultural significance.

Biography adapted from National Gallery of the Cayman Islands website: https://www.nationalgallery.org.ky/artist/harvey-ebanks/