Chalik Campbell
Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer
SIX YEARS ago, Chalik Campbell made the tough decision to leave art school. Not yet a graduate, he had completed his foundation studies at Edna Manley College (EMC) and had chosen to specialise in sculpture.
Financial responsibilities beckoned, however, and there wasn't really much of a choice.
His departure from art school marked the start of his professional career and the next two years saw him doing everything from commissioned portraits to designing oversized kites (more on those later).
"I had a surge of adrenaline," he recollects, "to explore new things all the things I couldn't do while at art school." He also exhibited his paintings and sculptures, most notably in Mutual Life Gallery's 'Young Generations' exhibitions.
Campbell admits to a fear of colour in his earlier days. As a result, his first offerings as a professional artist were ceramic sculptures, which involved no colour, and monochrome portraits, in which he deftly avoided the issue.
Wall finishes cured him, he recollects.
HOLDS SEVERAL PATENTS
The abstraction of wall finishes freed him creatively and he dove into colour exploration with characteristic aplomb. Today, he is the holder of several patents and many of his finishes can't be replicated without his secret formulas of course.
The artist's finishes have garnered quite a number of few high-profile projects for him. With such notable establishments as Rib Kage, Starapples and Jamrock on the list. He has also worked on numerous private homes, including several belonging to Guardsman CEO, Kenny Benjamin. Along the way, he just invented some stuff, like a water-based simulated patina finish that looks like honest-to-goodness rusty metal.
Today, Chalik Designs is poised for greater things. Operating out of Grosvenor Terrace same property as Abahati Hotel and their 'all-u-can-eat' crab night, but I digress but not officially open until January 2006, says Chalik, the business is an outgrowth of his many facets. A complete expression of his creative abilities and his artistic spirit.
PLANS FOR WORKSHOPS
Among the many plans for the spot, Campbell wants to have workshops so he and other experts can impart their knowledge and skills to a younger generation. He already has a kiln and is in the market for some potter's wheels. The workshop will also be a stop on tours where visitors can come in and see indigenous art in the making and even make something themselves.
And there's more.
As a boy, Chalik fondly recalls his grandfather introducing him to a love of kites. "He used to buy kites for me all the time," says the artist. "I remember him encouraging me to make bigger and more inventive kites." Years later, he was reintroduced to kites when a sculpture tutor at EMC had the class make kites for the annual kite festival in St. Ann. Let's just say the fire was rekindled. Campbell won two trophies for Biggest Functioning Kite and Best Kite Maker.
CUSTOMISED, OVERSIZED KITE
Now, the tireless entrepreneur has developed with commercial value, customised, oversized kites. "Right now, we're only offering that service on a limited basis," he says, "but production should be up to full steam in a few months." He also plans to have kite workshops at the studio in the future.
It's inspirational to see a young Jamaican with the courage and determination to forge ahead in uncharted waters.
The headman of Chalik Designs is doing it and doing it the right way. He is also making sure he has the proper business and legal foundations for his endeavours - all his ducks in a row. His head is squarely on his shoulders and his heart is definitely in the right place.
As a result, there can only be continued success ahead. Good luck, Chalik (although I have a suspicion you don't need it)!
