Irene Bacchus-Holder, a self-taught artist, craft producer and owner of Amazon Authentics, not only uses the amazon rainforest as her muse but also a main source for materials to create unique, artistic and functional products. She utilizes some of the rarest and endemic wood species found in Guyana. These include: Purpleheart, Greenheart, Wamara, Simarupa and Itikiboraballi. Distinctive to other local artists Irene adorns her products using a technique called pyrography; art burnt on wood or leather. She also uses paint to add colour and vibrancy to her work. Because of the quality of her work, it is constantly being compared to those made by CNC machine. However, all her products are produced by hand. An excellent display of local talent.
In keeping with Guyana’s strict adherence to sustainable environmental practices, the woods used in making the products are obtained from the discards in the forests and leftovers from loggers and sawmills. Her work adds value to Guyana’s natural resources. “What keeps me going is seeing the joy and awe on people’s face when they see a beautiful piece created from a chunk of wood.” Irene provides a wide array of functional products inclusive of boxes, tables, pens, business card holders, kitchen ware and home decor. Irene’s work also serves as a chronicle of the beautiful species of plants and animals found in the rainforest. She caters to the general public as well as Corporate companies and Government agencies.
In 2008 Irene was nominated as one of the 10 finalists in the inaugural UNCTAD/EMPRETEC International Women in Business Award in recognition of her dedication to the principles of Entrepreneurship. In 2014 and 2019 she received the second prize in the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition (GVACE) Fine Craft category. Irene also gained recognition by Caribbean Export Development Agency in 2015 when she was selected as one of 10 Creative Businesses in the region and was sponsored to be a part of the Design Caribbean program to display products in Birmingham, UK. In 2018 Irene received the Commissioner’s prize for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Art Competition. Irene was also one of twenty-five artists chosen to participate in 52nd Independence Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House in 2018.
Irene began her career as a producer of wooden handcrafted items in the late 1990s. She was given a wood burning machine by her brother who encouraged her passion and who later gave her the first set of woodworking machines. Amazon Authentics was created to facilitate the need to have an outlet for Irene’s creative spirit. The business was registered in 2002. Over the years Irene has developed a better technique, learnt how to burn deeper, invested in more expensive and more sophisticated equipment, and of course produces better pieces. Her beautiful creations are displayed in many trade shows within and beyond Guyana’s diaspora. Irene currently serves as the secretary for the Guyana Creative Business Coop Society.
Irene Bacchus-Holder is without a doubt a remarkable artist. Working with a medium many would deem more suitable for men. She has beaten all odds mastering skills in wood machinery and adding a feminine touch with her beautiful embellishments. “I love the freedom art gives me to express my creativity and offer my interpretation to the world.” If you wish to purchase any of Irene’s products be sure to contact her via her facebook page; Amazon Authentics or on her cell at +592 621 9303.