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The Art of Trinidad and Tobago
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'Senor' Gomez Master Wire Bending Artist
Narcenio 'Senor' Gomez - Photo: Christine
Staff Article
January 19, 2005
Narcenio Gomez better known as 'Senor' Gomez, is one of the leading wire benders (sculptors) in Trinidad and Tobago. He has been designing, bending wire and making costumes for over 50 years. Besides being heavily involved with Trinidad carnival, he has worked in many countries such as Barbados, Venezuela, New York, St Kitts, Bermuda, England and Guyana.
'Senor' Gomez was born on Charlotte Street, Port of Spain on June 11, 1931 to Venezuelan parents. At this time the steel band movement and masquerading at carnival were not yet widely accepted. In those days a carnival costume cost 30 cents and the characters of the Midnight Robber, Jabmalasie, Fancy Sailor, Red Indian and Dame Lorraine reigned supreme on the carnival streets. Steelband clashes were frequent and it was not until steelbands started to be sponsored that the violence ceased. 'Senor' Gomez was captivated by the rhythm of the steel bands and the beauty and artistry of mas, so he embraced any opportunity he had to visit steel band yards and mas camps. At the age of 15 on one of his many visits to the mas camps around Port of Spain, a Mas-man noticed his keen interest in the fabrication of mas and started to teach him the art of wire bending. From this point he began to become involved in the fabrication of costumes for different steel bands and by the age of 20 he became quite skillful and demands for his services grew.
He participated in Carnival in the 40's with bands such as Destination Tokyo (now known as Carib Tokyo) and Red Army, but left after a while to form a new band called Johannesburg Fascinators which was both a mas and a steel band. Fascinators soon became the leading Fancy Sailor Band.
In 1951 he took up a job with a shipping company and started to tour the world as a seaman. However this job did not stop his participation in Carnival. Strange clicking noises were often heard coming from his cabin and eventually the captain of the ship upon investigating found that 'Senor' Gomez was cutting and bending wire and building costumes. The captain was very impressed by his immense talent and helped him gather materials for his costumes and also ensured that he was granted vacation leave during each carnival season.
Mr. and Mrs. Gomez and associates - Photo: Christine
In 1954 he got married to his childhood girlfriend Lynda and she has consistently supported him in his carnival activities. Having been introduced to mas at the age 9 by her uncle, Lynda was able to relate to the deep love 'Senor' Gomez displayed for mas and steelpan music. Over the years Lynda portrayed many of the carnival characters created by 'Senor' Gomez and won Queen of Steelband on a number of occasions. However there is no longer a King and Queen of Steelband and 'Senor' Gomez thinks that a revival of this can spark a reemergence of mas being associated with steel bands. Lynda, known for her ability to dance huge Carnival Queen costumes across the stage, fondly recalls her many experiences portraying different characters over the years.
'Senor' Gomez finds great joy in teaching the wire bending craft and has tutored in workshops throughout Trinidad and Tobago, Manchester England, Central University in Connecticut, and Miami University. He worked with early masmen such as Harold Saldenah, Jason Griffith and Lewicito "Cito" Velasquez. Among his most memorable portrayals are the Seven Wonders of the World, Zeus- the God of Olympus, Donald Duck and Signs of the Zodiac. Bands such as All Stars, City Symphony, Tokyo, Silver Stars, Renegades, Jewel Twenty Two and others greatly benefited from his craftsmanship. Carnival Kings and Queens such as Muriel Haynes, Jean Assing, Noble Khan, Martin Looby and Lynda Gomez won fame through his designs and wire skills.
African Queen played by Lynda Gomez
Comparing mas in his early days to modern day Carnival, 'Senor' Gomez laments that some of the creativity has been lost, though he acknowledges that beneficial changes have also been made. For instance, fiber glass, cane, rods and wheels have contributed to greater movement and a wider range of possibilities for the bigger Carnival costumes. For 'Senor' Gomez and Lynda Gomez, Trinidad Carnival remains the greatest show on earth.
Successful Kings and Queens:
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Category
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Placing
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Portrayal
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History
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3rd
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L. Gomez- 'Nicosha Queen of the Hunters'
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Fancy Sailor
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2nd
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D. Wilson- 'Ibis in Flight'
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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A. Kingsale- 'A Caribbean Beauty'
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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N. Gomez- 'Invasion of Insects' (Savannah)
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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N. Gomez- 'Invasion of Insects' (Uptown)
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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L. Gomez- 'Madame Butterfly'
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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C. Jones- 'Sky is the Limit'
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Queen Tobago
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1st
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C. Brown- 'Chinese Fan Dancer'
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Fancy Sailor (1960)
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2nd
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N. Gomez- 'Enchanted Peacock and Hen'
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Wire bending successes:
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Category
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Placing
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Portrayal
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Fantasy
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1st
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'A Jewel Butterfly'
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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'Ghost of a Butterfly'
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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'Queen of the Majorettes'
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History
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3rd
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'Coat of Arms of T & T'
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SteelBand successes:
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Category
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Placing
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Best Costumed
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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'Extract of Beauty and Nature' (1983)
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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'Wonderful World of Birds' (1984
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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'God of Olympus' (1956)
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History (Junior Band)
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1st
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'Sea Traveler through the Years' (1987)
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Fancy Sailor (Junior King)
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1st
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'Baseman in Hell' (1990)
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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'Tribute to Cito Valesquez' (1999)
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Fancy Sailor
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1st
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'Military Forces' (1987)
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History
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1st
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'Tribal Africa' (1994)
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Tribal Africa
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3rd
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Band of the Year (1994) Small
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Check out 'Senor' Gomez's album at:
http://www.trinisoca.com/gallery/gomez
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