The island of Jamaica is home to some of the most beautiful, creative and ingenious people in the world.
Meet Gayon "Carver" Mcphael.
Meet Gayon "Carver" Mcphael.
By Cheraine Stanford
MANCHESTER, Jamaica
Part craftsman, part philosopher, Gayon “Carver” Mcphael spends his days creating wooden masterpieces by hand. For Mcphael, it isn’t just a job, it’s a passion he has developed, practiced and worked to perfect since childhood.
“You don’t work anymore after you start loving what you do,” he says. “I allow myself to get addicted to my work, so my work ain’t work anymore.”
The 39-year-old became interested in the craft after seeing an elder in his community woodworking. He practiced on his own and developed his skills and love for the art over time. Becoming as good as he is requires dedication, discipline and a lot of patience. His life and art are guided by a philosophy of simplicity. He thinks people are often too attached to material things and encourages others to focus on their inner spirits. Instead of spending money on a gym membership, he walks as much as he can, often getting out of a taxi far away from his home and walking the rest of the way. If anything or anyone creates stress in his life, he separates himself from them.
“If I’m not happy, I can’t do good work, I can’t get a good result,” he says.
MANCHESTER, Jamaica
Part craftsman, part philosopher, Gayon “Carver” Mcphael spends his days creating wooden masterpieces by hand. For Mcphael, it isn’t just a job, it’s a passion he has developed, practiced and worked to perfect since childhood.
“You don’t work anymore after you start loving what you do,” he says. “I allow myself to get addicted to my work, so my work ain’t work anymore.”
The 39-year-old became interested in the craft after seeing an elder in his community woodworking. He practiced on his own and developed his skills and love for the art over time. Becoming as good as he is requires dedication, discipline and a lot of patience. His life and art are guided by a philosophy of simplicity. He thinks people are often too attached to material things and encourages others to focus on their inner spirits. Instead of spending money on a gym membership, he walks as much as he can, often getting out of a taxi far away from his home and walking the rest of the way. If anything or anyone creates stress in his life, he separates himself from them.
“If I’m not happy, I can’t do good work, I can’t get a good result,” he says.
Mcphael carefully plans and sketches the patterns before carving the intricate designs into each piece of wood. He doesn’t need fancy equipment, just a box of well-worn metal tools and sandpaper to sharpen the blades. His hands work quickly and adeptly, each graceful movement revealing another dimension of the hidden design. When he’s working, he tries not to think about anything.
“The freer you keep your mind is the best,” he says. “You can’t even think about the work too much. You have to keep your mind clear.”
Mcphael says the media often portrays Jamaica as a tough place to live, only highlighting the problems facing the island. But for him, Jamaica is paradise. He feels lucky to live in a tropical climate that allows him to work outside, surrounded by beautiful greenery, all year round. He has crafted a good life for himself through a strong work ethic, positive mindset and a determination to do something good with his time on Earth. He spent part of his youth in Jones Town, which he describes as the “deep inner city” and said that although things weren’t easy, he always had a vision of a better life for himself.
“The freer you keep your mind is the best,” he says. “You can’t even think about the work too much. You have to keep your mind clear.”
Mcphael says the media often portrays Jamaica as a tough place to live, only highlighting the problems facing the island. But for him, Jamaica is paradise. He feels lucky to live in a tropical climate that allows him to work outside, surrounded by beautiful greenery, all year round. He has crafted a good life for himself through a strong work ethic, positive mindset and a determination to do something good with his time on Earth. He spent part of his youth in Jones Town, which he describes as the “deep inner city” and said that although things weren’t easy, he always had a vision of a better life for himself.
He says the biggest tragedy in Jamaica is the fact that there are people who believe they can’t make good lives for themselves. Mcphael says self-determination and motivation as well as a good education are key components of success. He believes that every individual is skilled at something and encourages young people to try different occupations to find their talents. He is a creative soul but he also has expertise in other areas, including boatbuilding and fishing, which he is passing on to his own children, who range in age from 3 to 23.
Mcphael is blessed to have found his passion, a job that he looks forward to doing each day.
“If I’m not doing it I’m miserable,” he says. “It’s a lifestyle. You just get an income doing something that you love.”
Mcphael is blessed to have found his passion, a job that he looks forward to doing each day.
“If I’m not doing it I’m miserable,” he says. “It’s a lifestyle. You just get an income doing something that you love.”
©2015 Cheraine Stanford
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