Tower Avenue man searches for cash in trash

"I was born with the art talent. I have passed all levels of art in school, but I had to stop for a while because the epilepsy was taking me over," Nicholas German told THE STAR.

German, who has been involved in art since a tender age, utilises old materials such as cardboard, plastic forks, and any other recycled material available to him to create unusual pieces.

"I put all my heart in it," he said.

Not only does he sculpt 'trash to treasure', German also paints the walls of Seaward Primary and Junior High positive with educational murals, in addition to welding and repairing car windows and door locks.

The 35-year-old who resides in Tower Avenue, St Andrew, however, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 28, which caused him to put a pause on his work.

Though overtaken by the sickness, with the help of family and friends around him, German was determined to continue pursuing his passion for art.

"I tell myself that I won't give up even to just help myself get over the sickness," he said.

"I have elderly friends and family who elevate me and tell me that I shouldn't give up, I must work hard and try because one day my dream must come true."

German, who draws inspiration from his surroundings, told THE STAR that his main aim with his art is to give back to his community, and also positively impact the younger generation. Though he has not created a market for his pieces, Geman sometimes receives a stipend for his work. However, costs for medication are becoming increasingly difficult to cover for the young artist.

"Any likkle money I make from the art goes back to medication, and the medication is expensive, plus I have to buy things for other basic needs like food, and ting," German told THE STAR.

Motivated to help others, specifically youths, to find creative leisure activities such as art, German also hopes to develop his skills with the hope that companies will acknowledge his work and employ him for projects.

"I just want to help youths and pull them towards the art system so that they can do something positive with their time and see me as an icon," German said.

"I'd also love if a company can take me and give me a job, even if I can stay at home and do the pieces I want so that I can help myself and help others because honestly, most of the times I don't have it to buy the medication," he said.

Nicholas German may be contacted at 876-813-6854.