By Ralph Banwarie Thursday, February 4 2010

What began as a hobby turned out to be a growing business for a Sangre Grande father of eight Reynold Wells of Williams Trace ,Foster Road, Sangre Grande began his sculpture trade with a piece of drift wood he collected at Manzanilla beach.

Wells said he tried for jobs all over the country from handyman to labourer but to no avail

Being a father of eight children frustration began to creep in as money became a scarce commodity. No food on the table, no help, but I was determined to get out of this by sticking to my natural talent in Sculpturing.

Being unemployed and seeking employment turned his life into misery compounded with stress.

Seeing that no jobs is forthcoming and even if he gets odds and end job it was not regular.

Wells decided to explore his sculptor ability and it was no turning back. This worked well as he became very successful and his finished work was in demand. He sold piece after piece , providing the finance available for his survival.

He began with one piece of drifted wood which earned him quite a sum at an exhibition held in Sangre Grande by the Ministry of Culture. This gave him the drive and motivation that he so required.

He recalled the first piece he worked with was based on poverty portrayed by poor mother..

Two weeks after Wells said, he was invited by the Community Officer Kesho Bachan to be part of the exercise and he sold this first piece for $800.

Wells said he used this money to purchased chisel and other tools that are required for his trade.

Asked if he had challenges his response was many like any other skills but he kept his faith and continued trying.”I never gave up”

At time when he had to get materials he had to journey many miles into the Matura Forest to get the required wood for his sculpting. He said at time he was confronted with snakes and got bitten by wasps, but this never prevented him from going back to get his materials.

In one year time he was able to produce eight pieces of craft and also hosted his own exhibition.

In a few years Wells said he was able to produce so many pieces in that people began to visit his home and place orders.

Being inspired and getting a reasonable sum of money for his finish pieces, aspired Wells to host other exhibitions outside of Sangre Grande.

These exhibitions opened the market for Wells and his business began to pick up and grow.

He was able to gain employment at YTEPP as a Tutor and this added to his finance gain.

Wells said nothing is difficult once one is determined to pursue and fight the fight for survival.

He said it was no stopping his business grew and he now owns a shop at Eastern Main Road Sangre Grande.

He has now gone in making beads accessories and leathercraft.,products which are fast sellers in his store..

Wells added that he was able to send his eight children to school by his art and today his business is extending. He plans to have an outlet at Arima once he gets the apartment.

He was able to get his children educated and boasted that one of his children is an accountant and the other is a police officer.

His other four children is also doing quite well and he gave is sure that they too will be successful in life.