Garfield Williams shaping young minds through art

Deep in concentration, Jamaican-born Garfield Williams tapped his axel around the wet clay sitting on his tabletop wheel.

Eager to complete this ceramic candle holder, he smiled as he spoke of his passion for sculpting. He learnt sculpting and ceramics from his mother Verona Williams in Canada at age six. He yearned to return to Jamaica for greater economic opportunities, and when he did in 1997, started his own ceramic and art centre.

"This candle holder, I have been doing it for two to three years and I have realised that it is something that the whole world was gravitating to and I just decided to create them. I always had it in mind but in the last couple years I got the designs to actually do it," said the 53-year-old.

His eyes sparkled as he reflected on his first sculpture, 'The Lovers', which he did in 2000. He said the piece signifies the unity and the relationship between men and women.

Inspired by his teachers

"It's all about creation, about the Father and the Almighty creating all of us," he said. Williams said his art is inspired by his teachers at West Humber Collegiate Institute in Canada, who often reminded him that he has a "natural gift for art and a gift for colours and the look of things."

Citing that children fuel his passion for art, he shares his knowledge with youth at the Trench Town Ceramics and Art Centre he operates, hosting countless art events and school projects.

"Kids like to roam and when they come here and they get the opportunity to create, this is the avenue to express themselves and explore their mind. Not everyone will be academically inclined, some should be able to be artisans and sculptors," the father of one said.

Jamaican artists Phillip Supersad and Earl Jackson inspire him, and he said that while he is pleased with the work being done locally, there is more to be done.

"In the last five years, art was usually swept underneath the mat, but now there is an avenue being created so everyone can be appreciated. We have more stakeholders that are playing a significant role in the growth of art in Jamaica," Williams said.

Potter's wheel, moulds made of plaster of Paris, water and clay are just some tools he needs. However, he also utilises patience, and has an unfathomable love and appreciation for art.

"I love seeing the actual reaction on people's face when I spend time creating the piece. I try to create a new piece every month but the worst part of it is the weather. When it rains a lot or it gets too cold, the clay can't get to dry," he said, adding that he hopes to host a partnership between artists in Canada and Jamaica.