VISION FOR COMMUNITY

Traditional Swahili Woodcarving Art is a dying craft in the East African Coast, from where it was rooted centuries ago. In Lamu Island particularly,  the younger generation are preferring modern jobs in place of the traditional ways of of their forefathers. Thus, forms the background of what I am aiming to achieve, which is, to empower willing locals to embrace this beautiful craft.

Woodcarving takes patience to nurture and even longer to establish oneself. This is a major hindrace, due to our propensity towards immediate gratification. However, even if someone is aware of the patience, perserverance and practice time required - they encounter the reality. The reality that woodcarving teachers and tools are hard to come by in this part of the world. This scarcity remains the biggest stumbling block to the starting woodcarving apprentice. For now, to obtain good tools, one is required to import them from western countries. This cost and process is out of reach for the majority of the population.

Myself, having walked this journey, I know what it entails and the sacrifices required, to lead someone else towards proficiency in working this trade through effective apprenticeships. Woodcarving is a deeply enriching practice and everyone is welcome to learn. Wood is a wonderful medium to connect with ourselves and express our creativity. Additionally, working with a local blacksmith here in Lamu, simple yet effective tools can be forged. Then, I design these forged metals into working chisels suitable for woodcarving.

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