By Melanie Reffes
Adhering to the mandate of furthering environmental sustainability, the Caribbean Tourism Organization has enlisted the artistic endeavors of Bajan artist, Reggie Medford, to craft the aptly named “Reggie “ award, which is presented to the country hosting the annual Sustainable Tourism Conference, which is Guyana in 2012.
“We have been impressed with the work of Medford Mahogany for many years, “said Hugh Riley, secretary general, Caribbean Tourism Organization. “When Reggie Medford offered to donate a mahogany trophy to the Sustainable Tourism Conference, we readily accepted. His generosity illustrates his support for the ideals of the conference and gives us an opportunity to highlight the involvement of small, indigenous enterprises in the Caribbean’s tourism industry.”
Working in his studio on a picturesque hillside overlooking Bridgetown, Reggie is a self-taught artist and one of the islands natural treasures. His gallery is aptly named Medford Craft World and showcases the unique sculptures he crafts from mahogany wood found in Barbados.
“Historically, all the plantation houses in Barbados would use this type of wood for their furnishing,“ said Reggie, while polishing one of his masterpieces. “When I entered this trade I found myself using only mahogany and have used it for the past thirty-six years with absolutely no regret.”
A labor of love for the gracious sculptor, he was once a student of the sciences but followed his heart to the world of personal creativity. 
"I think it all happened within a couple of months,” he remembered. “During my last year of school, I was getting prepared for exams when I realized that I would rather work for myself because too many people are not doing what they want to do.“
Inspired by the coconut palms growing in the yard where he grew up, his passion turned to art and the rest is island history.
“I wanted to find something to do that I will grow to love,” explained Reggie. “At that point, I had no idea what that was. I was drifting around ideas until I started to fiddle around with coconut shells, hacksaw, varnish and sandpaper.”
Fiddle he did by cutting the shell in half and then crafting exquisite pieces of jewelry like earrings and bracelets that he still makes today.
“The coconut tree was right there so I had no need to buy anything and years later I am still here,” he said.
A charming gentleman of fifty-six years young, Reggie perfected a sanding process that results in a smooth and fine finish.
"It is the speed of the process that makes it interesting,” he said, while fashioning a decorative box from mahogany. “The traditional chisel and knife is very slow and places a lot of pressure on the fingers, in other words there is more blood and sweat and tears doing it that way.”
After transporting the tree to the Craft Center, Reggie and his dedicated colleagues use every part from root to branch to fashion their signature works of art.
His exhibits have earned critical acclaim throughout the Caribbean, USA and Europe, he was the youngest recipient of The Barbados Centennial Honour and his work is proudly owned by global Heads of State including South Africa’s Nelson Mandela.
Reggie Medford has carved out a life and a legacy and is delighted to share his vision with visitors to the island.
“Travelers should be able to see unique sites, eat unique foods and purchase unique gifts,” he added proudly. “And that is just what they do when they visit this shop."
For more information on Reggie’s art, visit www.medfordcraftworld.com |
