Woodcarver pursues passion in Portland
Published:Saturday | January 14, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
CLEAR SPRING, Portland:
ALONG THE corridors of the busy thoroughfare of Clear Spring, Portland, is a well-decorated craft shop displaying art made by Astley Brown, a woodcarver.
The 56-year-old Brown, who left St Elizabeth at age 15, took up residence in the eco-friendly parish of Portland to pursue the trade, a talent and skill passed unto to him by his father.
"This is my passion. I skipped school just to get closer to woodcarving, which has been a part of my life for more than 40 years. I have a way with wood, and just like the Brian Lara of cricket, just point me to the wood and I will carve just about any of the respective art forms. I have a gift, and each time I see a piece of wood, the image for carving comes to mind."
Brown's craft shop, which is painted in colours of the national flag, is located just below the eco-friendly Bay View Villas and Spa, with a wide variety of work, including carvings of fish, crocodile, fisherman and a market woman. He has also carved masks, cups, teapots, soup bowls, and walking sticks, which are on display at the shop.
The woodcarver explained that wood is purchased from sawmills, and from wood and tree cutters at an affordable price, which works out a lot cheaper than having to buy the finished product for resale.
But while Brown has been able to produce art at its finest, which has attracted the eyes of many, the decline in tourist arrivals to Portland has caused business to slow down for him.
Portlanders show support
Brown explained that more than 50 per cent of sales come directly from the local people, who really appreciate art, and who oftentimes make requests for carvings of their desire.
According to him, the closure of the Trident and Dragon Bay hotels have dealt a heavy blow to the already fragile tourism sector in Portland.
"The Ministry of Tourism needs to give some much-needed attention to Port Antonio, which boasts as many as nine tourists attractions. We need cruise ships and stopover visitors. This is my bread and butter, and I am a skilled person. I am hoping that the powers that be will meet with all the tourist industry players in this parish, so as to chart the way forward."