Ruel “Doc” Wallace, born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and started drawing at age 6, recently displayed his work of art, “From the HeArt,” at Nazareth High School in Brooklyn.
Wallace told Caribbean Life over the weekend that the display, which he described as “exposition,” drew rave reviews from attendees.
Just as someone with unique handwriting, Wallace said he described his style as “realistic.”
“It has been said that all art carries the spirit of its maker,“ he said, but added that his “natural attributes and artistic gift come from God.”
Wallace said that, at 17, he attended an art school in Montego Bay and that, after leaving school, he worked in the art industry – for 20 years in the advertising department of Desnoes and Geddes, Jamaica Limited.
Wallace said he developed an interest in drawing and art, including using water and oil on canvas and walls.
Through practice and encouragement, Wallace said that he became an accomplished “self-taught“ graphic artist over time.
Wallace said he moved from Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second city, to Kingston, the capital, in the early 1960s to explore and develop his skills. He became a subcontractor with Desnoes and Geddes Limited, Jamaica’s largest manufacturer and distributor of the world’s famous Red Stripe Beer, distributed throughout the Caribbean and other parts of the world.
For over 30 years, Wallace said his artistry and craftsmanship at “Outdoor Advertising“ were displayed on billboards throughout Jamaica.
He said his artistry was also prominently displayed on the infamous D&G Delivery Trucks throughout the island’s urban and beautiful countryside, promoting products manufactured by Desnoes and Geddes.
Wallace said most travelers to Jamaica, party revelers, cricket fans, footballers (soccer players), would remember the famous “Dragon Stout“ campaign, “which was launched from time to time to promote this product, guaranteeing maximum strength and vitality, especially with Jamaican males.”
However, after Desnoes and Geddes was sold, Wallace said he migrated to New York and changed vocation, working in the environmental department at one of New York’s larger Catholic hospitals.
But even as he mopped the hospital floors, Wallace said the hospital prominently displayed his artistry and positively reviewed it.
In the aftermath of 911, during St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center in Manhattan’s centennial celebration, Wallace said he dedicated a 20-ft. mural on canvas to the hospital, where he had worked, retiring after 20 years, capturing the activities of the medical, administrative and other staff.
He said that, for many months, his artistry was “proudly displayed throughout the hallowed halls“ of the hospital.
Post-retirement, Wallace said he continues to touch lives by volunteering in the Patient Relations Department at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn.
He said he has received several awards for his volunteerism.
Wallace said he is a “committed member“ of Lennox Road Baptist Church in Brooklyn, where he serves as a deacon and participates in the Men’s Group, the choir, and the Marriage Ministry.
He said his mission is “to live my life as a solution to some of mankind’s greatest need, giving hope and a future to the hopeless and those with an uncertain future; to value life in a manner that shows reverence for living beings; to foster healthy relationships and mutual respect, so that those around me may be encouraged to live positively and fruitfully; (and) to become more confident in what I do.”
