The passing of Saint Lucia’s foremost sculptor and revered cultural icon – Vincent Joseph Eudovic has created a void in the island’s creative arts landscape.
Eudovic, born in Babonneau in 1942, began carving at the tender age of twelve, winning his first exhibition contest and setting the course for a lifetime of artistic excellence.
Consequently, the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) and the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information extend heartfelt condolences to the Eudovic family, relatives, friends, and the wider Saint Lucian community for his invaluable contribution to the local art form.
His journey took him from Trinidad and Tobago to Nigeria, where he refined his craft and developed a distinctive style that fused African heritage with Caribbean identity. Upon returning to Saint Lucia, he established the Eudovic Art Studio in Goodlands, Castries, which became a cornerstone of the island’s cultural landscape.
Eudovic’s sculptures—often carved from local hardwoods like Laurier Cannelle—are known for their abstract yet soulful depictions of Saint Lucian identity, humanity, and spirit. His most famous works include “The Thinker,” “Mother and Child,” and “The Warrior,” each showcasing his ability to blend intricate detail with profound emotional expression.
His works have graced exhibitions across the Caribbean, Europe, and the wider world, earning acclaim and admiration for their technical mastery and emotional depth. Among his many honours, he was awarded the Golden Medal for Best Caribbean Wood Sculptor at the region’s first wood carving exhibition in Guadeloupe in 1975.
Beyond his creations, Mr. Eudovic was a teacher, a mentor, and a cultural ambassador. He trained countless artisans and inspired a generation of wood carvers, including his son, Jallim Eudovic, who continues to honour his father’s legacy through sculpture.
In 2019, the CDF recognised his immeasurable contribution to Saint Lucia’s artistic heritage through its Cultural Icon Series, hosting a major retrospective exhibition in his honour. His last exhibition, held from October 25 to October 29, 2019, at the Baywalk Mall in Rodney Bay, showcased a new collection of his original sculptures.
This exhibition was a testament to his enduring creativity and his ability to capture the essence of Saint Lucian life and culture.
The CDF added, “As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of the words of 19th-century sculptor Edmonia Lewis: My sculptures are prayers whispered in stone.”
Though Eudovic worked primarily in wood, the sentiment remains fitting—his carvings were meditations, stories, and silent prayers etched into Saint Lucian timber.
Vincent Joseph Eudovic’s artistry has left an indelible mark on the cultural life of our nation. His sculptures will forever stand as symbols of our identity, strength, and enduring creativity.
In conclusion, the CDF stated, “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all whose lives were shaped, stirred, or inspired by the beauty and truth in his work.
“May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire.”