Name: Esther Beckford
Occupation: Fine artist, architecture student
Place of birth/ current residence: Kingston, Jamaica

I’m what you call ‘Rasta People Pickney’. My parents are fine artists and they raised me with Rastafarian and Christian beliefs. I love being Jamaican! Here everyone is a star whether you’re decked out in designer gear or sporting no front teeth!

I’m an architect-artist who models, acts and surfs. I’ve been studying architecture for three years so I have very little time for much else when I’m at school. What I really like about studying in the tropics is the climate. It gives the opportunity to design spaces that really engage the outdoors all year round. When I have school breaks I’m an art director and I create set designs for projects in the film industry.

I got involved in modelling when I entered a local model search after graduating from high school; I thought it would be a good way to challenge myself and smooth off the rough surfer girl edges.

Surfing is a love I share with a sister and two brothers, it is how we keep connected; I love nothing better than watching the swell of the wave and waiting until it’s huge enough for me to soak in the awe.

As a freelance artist it’s challenging to keep a ‘regular’ schedule, however, over the next couple of years I’m really focused on school and achieving my degree in architecture. Island life is fairly relaxing but that has its pros and its cons.

I’m Complexd because I’m a bit of a paradox in many ways. In my professional life, I operate primarily in the realm of the visual and aesthetic; however, in my personal life I’m very relaxed. I also embrace change, which is a constant source of motivation for me.