ABOUT
Greetings! My name is Almasi and the only Traditional Swahili WOMAN Woodcarving Teacher in Kenya, so far. I received my training in Traditional Swahili Woodcarving from master carvers in Lamu Island, where I am based (Learn more here & here).
I was captivated by the craftsmanship that went into the creation of the world renowned Swahili Lamu Doors and got inspired to leave behind the busy-ness of corporate life and move to this beautiful island, to specifically learn traditional woodcarving.
This journey of woodcarving has given so much to me and in the most magical ways. I am inspired to give back and keep the blessings circulating through teaching it to others - in the best capacity that I am able to. In my observations here in Lamu Island, this is an art that is losing its essence. With automation in woodworking and also people caught up in a pressured productivity trap, the slow art of hand woodcarving has lost its place in our modern lives.
Through woodcarving workshops and apprenticeships, I love to empower others to slow down and express themselves through the medium of wood, using simple hand tools. This act of simple focus of working with the hands, calms down the mind and one is able to connect with something deeper that sparks their creativity and connection with themselves.
Getting woodcarving tools is a challenge in this part of the world and without good and effective tools, the process of carving with wood becomes unnecessary challenging. I have started making my own handmade woodcarving tools, to make it easier for people to be able to embark on their individual woodcarving journeys. My aim is to make the process for potential students as smooth as possible and prevent the pitfalls that I passed over myself. My vision is to have a community of woodcarvers and woodworkers who support, empower and encourage each other in their own authentic ways.
The direction of my art is ever evolving but at the root of it all, I am called to work with people in creating and designing meaningful and intimate things. This is my goal when collaborating on bespoke commissions that bring what my clients envision to life.
I am committed to making pieces that last a long time, which is inspired by the Swahili Carved doors that initially impacted the trajectory of my life, that have now survived for centuries in Lamu Island.
Thank you for taking the extra step of following my Instagram channel to get more acquainted with me and to hopefully inspire your creative journey!
On top of teaching and creating fun things, it is my latest excitement to share a new offering that further spreads the beauty of this amazing craft, as well as, honor the generations of past woodcarvers who came before me. If you find yourself in Lamu, I would love to take you on a bespoke cultural experience through guided walking tours around Lamu Old Town to view and appreciate the awe inspiring Swahili Doors. It feels like everything has come full circle, since it was a door that launched this whole woodcarving journey in the first place! You may find pictures and stories of these beautiful doors on my fairly new Instagram channel, solely dedicated to the doors here.
I invite you to check out real-life feedback from previous clients and students on my various offerings on Google Reviews and on TripAdvisor
Let’s connect through;
Email: swahiliwoodcarvingart@gmail.com
WhatsApp: Business WhatsApp