Cement artist Rickey Howell is the living embodiment of the word resilient.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on his livelihood and he was without work for a long time until he tried his hand at a new skill he developed.
During the heightened phase of the pandemic, the barber, with more than 25 years of experience, could not work due to the mandated public health restrictions.
However, he developed a new talent and made a business out of it.
“This is my COVID-19 project. I was a barber for over 25 years and during COVID-19 I was home bored and had nothing to do. I watched a lot of Youtube videos and taught myself a new skill. I have gifted hands, anything I try with my hands I excel at and this is another one of those things,” he said.
“At my display, I made everything from cement and I implemented different types of mediums like plastic. I did one with a shirt and one from a towel. I try to use any medium I get my hand on and everything is unique. I don’t ever make two pieces the same. I take inspiration from nature when designing the pieces. I look at trees, I look at rocks, coral and I do these creations from my head.”
Some of the items on display made by self-taught cement artist Rickey Howell.
Howell said his workshop is based at his Sturges, St Thomas home, which is located near the tourist attraction Harrison’s Cave. He said he did everything outdoors to attract people to his outlet.
He has been making cement crafts since 2021.
On show he had beautiful and creative plant pots, bird baths and ornamental items.
He added that he used a special type of finish to make the items look like they were made from wood.
(SZB)
