Teen turns trash into stunning art pieces

Eighteen-year-old Ajalon Cole is convinced that his creation, Icons and Heroes, "can revolutionise the souvenir market in Jamaica".

On Tuesday, Cole stood among veteran artisans at the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce's Craft and Coffee Exhibition, showcasing the small, handcrafted box he created using recycled plastic, foam, and paper mix. It features intricately sculpted national heroes against a gold backdrop a striking tribute to Jamaica's history. Cole believes his work represents more than just a souvenir.

"The way a product is presented can elevate how people value it. I want to create something that makes people take Jamaican craft seriously," he said. And his vision made an impression. One art enthusiast at the event was drawn to its craftsmanship.

"The detail is so precise that you can immediately recognise each national hero. This is the kind of quality that gives our culture the respect it deserves," the person said.

Cole's interest in sculpting was nurtured by his father, Scheed Cole, who is also a sculptor, since the early 2000s.

"I started out making large-scale sculptures, and he's the one who miniaturised it," the elder Cole said. "I've been preparing him for this. The knowledge of this craft is disappearing, and young people need to know it. This is more than just art it's cultural preservation."

Another artisan, Candice Kerr, is also working to redefine Jamaican craft. She is the creator of Humboxx HD, a handcrafted music box made from reclaimed wood, blending traditional jukebox mechanics with Jamaican folklore.

"I made my first sale in December 2021, and I knew this concept had potential," Kerr shared. The Humboxx HD integrates visual storytelling with sound, featuring illustrations that interpret melodies from reggae and folk music. She collaborated with an illustrator to design artwork that brings these songs to life, turning each box into a collector's item that embodies Jamaican culture.

"I wanted to showcase elements of our culture that people don't always see," she said. "Everything the movement, the music, the craftsmanship tells a story."

Despite the creativity and innovation displayed at the exhibition, the Jamaican craft industry faces significant challenges, particularly in gaining wider recognition.

"It's not a very well-known industry," an attendee admitted. "People don't always see the value in these products, but events like this can change that." Janine Fletcher-Taylor, marketing manager of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), which plays a key role in supporting artisans, emphasised the need for a structured approach to elevating the sector.

"What we expect from this event is a meeting of creative minds and gathering input from stakeholders to advance the industry," Fletcher-Taylor said.

"This is not a conversation we can have once and leave behind. We need sustained efforts in product innovation, business development, and export readiness to ensure Jamaica's craft sector thrives," she added.

The Government has been pushing for artisans to embrace sustainable practices and improve product standards to meet global market demands. Through agencies like the JBDC, artisans are given access to incubators, business support services, and market connections.

"Ultimately, we want to drive innovation so that our products are market-savvy and export-ready," Fletcher-Taylor added. "Craft is a valuable industry, and we must take the necessary steps to ensure its growth."

For young artisans like Cole and Kerr, their work is about more than artistic expression - it is a movement toward cultural preservation and economic opportunity.

"I want to create something that people recognise as high-quality, something that defines Jamaica's identity," Cole said.