Van’s Arts and Crafts was established in the early 2000s with the aim to sell beautiful and interesting pieces of jewelry to women and men alike. Each piece is unique and beautifully handcrafted. The man behind the work is known simply as ‘Junior’. He did not disclose his full name but as he said “Everyone knows me as Junior.” Just like his work, Junior was also quite fascinating to speak with . Let us take a look at the things that led Junior down the path of crafting.
Early Life and Development
He grew up in Georgetown, mostly in Albert Town, and was the only one in his family who was drawn to creating jewelry and other types of craft. He started to weave hand-made bracelets and sell them on the street. No other relative possessed the natural affinity towards creating in a way he did and from a young age he would also make bracelets from seeds and string. He also has a profound interests in arts and entertainment and was quite fond of the movie “If Wishes Were Horses” a Guyanese made film directed by Vivian John Lee and premiered in 1976. It is a musical comedy featuring Guyana’s premier comedian Habeeb Khan as a farmer who prefers show business, but joins the National “Feed-Yourself” campaign. The movie inspired Junior to commit to a life of filmmaking but it was not a widely explored area in Guyana during that time. He also delved into the world of music and learned to play the steel pan and was a part of one of Guyana’s early steel pan groups in Georgetown, but, as did his desire to make films, his musical side also began to deplete due to the lack of facilities and expert knowledge in the fields. He started to branch out, going back to jewelry making.
“My opportunities in those days were limited and so on. But, the passion I had for making movies and music went over to creating things… I realized that it would be better for me economically to get into this (jewelry and craft making) as a career.”
His inspirations for creating his craft begins from his “spirit” and through himself, he spoke about having ‘visions’ of what things he should create. He also did leather work and wire work crafts.
Inspirations
He noted that the 1970s Carifesta initiative that was started by Linden Forbes Burnham was one of his major inspirations.
“My main inspiration is the spirit, it is a spiritual thing, creating stuff and producing stuff with your natural hands is an inspiration… You have to start envisioning and then those ideas would lead you to make things.”
This spiritual feeling is what leads him to make beautiful pieces of work. He enjoys working at home since there are many distractions from the outside world that may distract him from his set vision. His home is a space in which he can comfortably explore and work out the meaning behind his ‘visions’.
“My home is my quiet sanctuary and it helps me to create. Home is my indoor sanctuary and you can get more visions when you are at home.”
His mood is a major factor in creating but since he is always in a happy mood he finds himself quickly meeting deadlines for his work or, in some cases, finishing before the desired time frame. He channels that positive energy into his work.
Struggles Faced While Growing His Business
While growing up he faced many instances of hardship and discouragement that would have prevented him from furthering his passions.
“It’s a process growing up of learning and maturing. Sometimes things are calm and somethings things are not but it’s all about riding out the storm.” – He said when asked about overcoming his struggles.
He did not expand on these struggles but based on his shift in tone from ecstatic to a more choked up state you can assume that it was not east to overcome those difficulties.
Future Plans
He has tried to expand his business online via popular social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram but it took up too much of his time and suppressed the natural creative zest of his spirit.
“In life we tend to try out a lot of things to help us to grow, some work out good and some work out not so good. But, I just keep striving all the time.”
Junior likes to live in the present moment even in regards to the expansion of his business. He stated that he does not have particular plans for the future in owning his own business but whatever opportunities may arise in the process is always something that he is welcome to. When he was asked about his personal goals he mentioned that his only desire is to “Get to Zion” (a synonym for the city of Jerusalem mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.)
His favourite pieces to work on are jewelry because he admires the way it makes people feel when they purchase one of his items, the elated feeling and the embodied confidence that accompanies it makes the entire experience worth it, it leads him to a sense of pride and fulfillment.
The Tiger’s Eye Bracelet Symbolism
Photo showing Tiger’s Eye Bracelet. Photo Credits: Nirmal Kawall
The Tiger’s Eye bracelet is a unique piece of jewelry that is said to have protective powers over whoever wears it. This belief stems from the ancient Egyptians and Romans. There are many other cultures in which this stone is believed to have been used.
There is also ancient Chinese folklore. The tiger symbolizes protection and is a prominent element of Chinese astrology. These residents carved tiger eye stones for amulets to wear as a means to scare off evil spirits.
During Roman times, soldiers would wear this stone during battle. They believed it brought protection to safeguard them against death and injury. Tiger eye would also help them be strong and brave.
History notes a discovery of the tiger eye stone in South Africa in the late 1700s. It quickly gained popularity and was mined in Russia, Australia, Mexico, and others.
It can help to create a sense of clarity in your stressful life and enhance creativity.
Read More About The Properties of Tiger’s Eye Bracelet Here:
If you are ever on Main Street, Georgetown, opposite the Courts Guyana you can find Junior at his stall with his wide display of items. Stop by and get your own piece of unique piece of jewelry.
