The fusion of metal and wood creates a striking visual contrast that blends strength with warmth, intricacy with simplicity. Whether used in standalone artworks or integrated into functional pieces like furniture and décor, the combination of these materials adds both artistic brilliance and craftsmanship to any design.
This marriage of metal and wood was the focus of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s (JBDC’s) recently held Perfect Finish Workshop: Metal Meets Wood, a four-week event that sought to inspire participants to innovate and explore new possibilities in their craft.
Colin Porter, technical services manager at JBDC, said: “A lot of people are using the same materials, like copper wire and beads. This workshop has introduced a new technique that will see more innovation in their products.”
The workshop, held at the JBDC’s Incubator & Resource Centre (IRC) in Kingston in October, attracted a diverse group of participants, including seasoned artisans, hobbyists, and aspiring artists. Over the course of four weeks, attendees learned to combine metal with wood, expanding their creative horizons by exploring new techniques. Facilitators included JBDC’s Product Development Specialist, Donna-Gay Uter, and trainer Valentine McLean, who guided the participants through processes like appliqué techniques for merging metal to wood, basic benchwork for fine jewellery (working with sterling silver), and hands-on demonstrations involving metal melting, hammering, and milling.
Uter said: “The workshop aims to teach participants how to merge two different materials to create unique and original designs. We want them to realise that they can stand out in their products and offer something new and exciting to their clients.”
VISION FOR LOCAL CRAFT
The JBDC’s efforts to support local artisans align with a broader vision for the craft industry’s growth. Porter described the current state of the local craft industry as steadily improving, with a noticeable shift away from low-end trinkets and souvenirs to higher-value, more refined products. “We’re seeing more and more artisans producing high-quality pieces that appeal to discerning buyers, not just tourists looking for inexpensive keepsakes,” he said. “We want to see this movement continue and expand.”
The JBDC envisions a craft industry that is more sustainable, diverse, and innovative. Porter said that the workshop’s introduction of new techniques, like incorporating wood into fine jewellery, has the potential to drive greater innovation within the sector.
“When people think of jewellery, they don’t typically think of wood as a material,” he noted. “But we’re showing that combining wood with traditional materials like sterling silver can result in beautiful, high-end pieces.”
This innovation is especially important for the industry’s evolution. Porter believes that as jewellery makers embrace new materials and techniques, they will enhance their craft. “This workshop is just one example of how we’re pushing boundaries and encouraging innovation,” he added.
The fusion of silver and wood gave rise to designs that showcased the beauty of Jamaica’s natural environment and cultural heritage, resulting in works that are not only functional but also highly artistic.
“People have infused elements of our culture into their designs, creating beautiful, wearable pieces that speak to the diversity of the Jamaican environment,” said Porter.
