Barbados: Reggie Medford Mahogany Artist
Barbados:Reggie Medford , Mahogany Artist
Located on a hillside overlooking Bridgetown and just ten minutes from the capital of Barbados , Reggie Medford has carved out a life and legacy.
Being the child in a family of doctors and lawyers, it was just naturally assumed he would follow the same path. You can imagine the dismay of his family that Reggie created when after acquiring several degrees from the university, he chose to sit around carving objects from wood. It couldn't have been good. However he kept whittling away at his future until he created something of real value while at the same time doing what he loves.
Having graduated from school with advanced level certificates in Biology and Chemistry, Reggie rejected an academic career to take up handicraft. A self-taught artist, Reggie delights in telling the story of how his dream came into being and showing the fruits of his labors.
All his artistry is created with mahogany wood, it is illegal to cut a mahogany tree in Barbados, unless it is being removed to build housing or if the tree has been storm damaged. Thus permission has to be obtained from the government before anything can be harvested.
Then the tree has to be transported to his location ,judging by the winding and hilly roads in the area, this would not be an easy task. After transporting the tree to their work site ,Reggie and his employees use every part of the tree to create their works of art, even the roots .
Digging up the roots is extremely labor intensive, however it is well worth the effort because every piece of root is of a different design,thus some of the most beautiful and unusual works of art are derived from what would otherwise be wasted.
Using nothing but an ordinary hand sander,It is amazing to watch him create a work of art, from a block of wood. Once the rough design is formed with the wood, he can create a finished product in just a few minutes.Reggie and his craft workers take tremendous pride in their work, and are more than willing to give a personal and close-up tour of their handicraft which has produced masterpieces that have been presented to Heads of State and dignitaries from around the world.
You will be truly amazed by the vast array of truly authentic Barbados souvenirs in his gift shop and Reggie is always happy to pose for photographs and personally autograph your purchase.
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