ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE APR V2 2024 VOL VII. ISSUE XLVI | LITERATURE
Article Published on: 18TH JULY 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
"CLIMBING THE STAIRS OF THE CITY" - BY AUTHOR H. LLOYD WESTON
H. Lloyd Weston dedicated himself wholeheartedly to crafting a compilation of short stories, drawing inspiration from both real-life experiences and his boundless imagination. With each tale meticulously fashioned, Weston prioritized originality and the seamless flow of ideas and emotions, all with the aim of immersing readers in an engaging literary journey. His ultimate goal was to bestow upon readers the same sense of delight and fulfillment he found in the creative process.
Motivated by a deep-seated passion for literature, Weston's commitment to excellence was fueled by his admiration for a select group of esteemed storywriters. Among these luminaries were Anton Chekhov, Katherine Mansfield, D. H. Lawrence, James Baldwin, Eudora Welty, Katherine Ann Porter, Ernest Hemingway, and Leo Tolstoy. Their works served as guiding lights, influencing Weston's approach and style, and instilling in him an unwavering dedication to storytelling of the highest caliber.
The stories within Weston's compilation engage readers with their compelling narratives, characterized by their originality, imagination, and sense of adventure. Each tale is a journey unto itself, offering readers an escape from the monotony of everyday life and the relentless barrage of negative news cycles. Weston aspires for his stories to resonate with readers on a personal level, with the hope that they may find reflections of their own experiences within the poignant and suspenseful narratives.
Weston's anthology of short stories is a journey to distant lands, each tale unfolding across three unique settings. With vivid descriptions and immersive storytelling, readers are invited to escape reality and let their imaginations soar. It's a testament to literature's transformative power, offering enchanting and thought-provoking narratives. Imbued with passion and creativity, Weston's collection is a gift to those seeking solace and inspiration within the pages of a book.
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JOURNEY OF THE AUTHOR H. LLOYD WESTON
H. Lloyd Weston, born in Kingston, Jamaica, embodies a diverse range of talents as an Expressionist Artist, short story author, and poet. Educated at St. Georges Extension College and Grantham College in Kingston, Jamaica, Weston further honed his skills at Fairleigh Dickinson University in the USA, graduating with a B.A. Degree in Creative Writing and Fine Arts.
Post-graduation, Weston embarked on a journey of artistic exploration, undertaking independent art studies in cultural capitals like London, Paris, Rome, and the Art Students League in New York. His artistic endeavors have earned him international recognition, with his artworks exhibited in prestigious venues worldwide, including The United Nations in New York and the Museum of Modern Art of Latin America in Washington, D.C.
One of the highlights of Weston's career came in 1989 when he had the privilege of presenting a commissioned painting to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in a ceremony held at Grosvenor House in London, UK. His artworks have garnered widespread acclaim and have been featured in numerous international magazines and newspapers, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the art world. His pieces also hold pride of place in important international collections.
During his time at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Weston's literary talent caught the attention of Dr. Charles Angoff, a distinguished Harvard-educated professor and Professor Emeritus of the English Department and Creative Writing. Dr. Angoff, with a prestigious background that included collaboration with the renowned H. L. Mencken, recognized Weston's exceptional abilities, underscoring his potential as both a visual and literary artist.
In summary, H. Lloyd Weston's life and work serve as a testament to his remarkable versatility and artistic prowess. From his origins in Jamaica to his global recognition as an artist and writer, Weston's journey is characterized by dedication, talent, and a commitment to excellence in both visual and literary expression.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF AUTHOR H. LLOYD WESTON WITH DE MODE
Q: "Climbing the Stairs of the City & Other Short Stories," showcases a rich blend of real-life experiences and the fruits of your imagination. Can you share what inspired you to meld these two worlds in your writing?
A. Beauty and ugliness are realities we experience on a daily basis. Things that don’t exist in reality we invent through the divine gift of the imagination. I was inspired to meld these two forces-reality and imagination, because reality can be further enhanced by the power of the imagination.
Q: The emphasis on originality and fluidity in your stories is palpable. How do you approach the creative process to ensure each story maintains its unique voice and flow?
A. This is an excellent question. Whenever I approach a story I become totally absorbed in its creation, bringing the story and the characters to life. My imagination takes me to that physical location and time zone. Nothing else exists, except creating a story that conveys authenticity and holds one’s interest. The story is given its own unique existence.
Q: You’ve mentioned the joy and reward you find in creating stories. Can you describe a particularly memorable moment of joy you experienced during the writing of this collection?
A. There are different moments of joy experienced while writing these stories. One particular moment occurred while creating the story: On a Positive Notethe joy of knowing that the music of the piano guided the kid lost in the woods to the doorstep of the house from which the music was emanating; there he eventually found help in returning home safely.
Q: With a nod to the legendary short story writers who've influenced you—Chekhov, Mansfield, Lawrence, and others—how do you see their fingerprints on your work, if at all?
A. I was greatly inspired by the stories of authors such as Anthon Chekhov, Katherine Mansfield and D.H. Lawrence. They are truly gifted writers whose stories impressed me greatly. The quality of empathy and pathos in all their stories have the ability to move and inspire. I hope in some way my stories are able to convey similar qualities.
Q: Your stories are described as original, imaginative, and adventurous. Is there a story in the collection that you feel is the epitome of these qualities? Could you tell us a bit about it?
A. I would have to say the story: Climbing the Stairs of the City which took daring and imagination to create. It deals with love and unfaithfulness, ambition and revenge. The concept came from the Disco Era-a period of joy and happiness in New York at that time, plagued by the tragedy that followed the Aids Epidemic- the irony of joy turned into sadness.
Q: Given your extensive background as an expressionist artist and writer, how do you see these two forms of expression informing each other in your work?
A. I love this question. I enjoy painting as much as I do writing. They both afford me the opportunity to use my imagination and engage the subconscious. The paintings elicit an emotional response and tell a story. The descriptive language I use in my short stories paints a vivid picture in words.
Q: Your journey from Kingston, Jamaica, to the global stage, both as an artist and a writer, is quite remarkable. How has your cultural heritage influenced your storytelling?
A. My cultural heritage influenced my story-telling abilities. Education and discipline, our British heritage, also played a part. My exposure to Shakespeare informed my love of literature. Jamaican culture is rich with music and dance that has impacted the world at large. The mores and customs: superstition, class conflicts, wealth and poverty, grudges and slights, are subjects dealt with in my stories.
Q: You were fortunate to have Dr. Charles Angoff as a mentor during your time at Fairleigh Dickinson University. How did his guidance shape your writing and creative outlook?
A. Dr. Angoff had an immense influence on my writing ability. He was my mentor and a great source of encouragement. He treated me like his son. My first published book, a book of poetry: The Many Silences of Love (a title he suggested) was dedicated to his memory. I could not think of a more fitting tribute to this most influential professor.
Q: As the editor-in-chief of "Prelude," the student literary magazine, and a published author, what advice do you have for aspiring writers and artists looking to find their voice?
A. I would advise them to learn their craft as best as they can, to be true to themself, and believe in themself. It is one thing to be talented, and another thing to chase your dream of being discovered. One always has to be focused and apply one’s self. It is important to remain optimistic in all situations and never give up.
Q: The act of presenting a commissioned painting to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, is a significant honor. Can you share how this moment has impacted your career and personal life?
A. Presenting a commissioned painting to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was an extraordinary experience. Her Majesty was gracious in receiving the painting at a ceremony at Grosvenor House, London. Publicity about the occasion appeared in the Mayfair Times, London, and the Daily Gleaner of Jamaica. The occasion had a very positive effect on my life, and career as an artist and an author.