Wassi Art ­ hub of tranquil creativity

THIS is an article from the Go-Local Community Website for Ocho Rios (www.go-ochorios.com <http://www.go-ochorios.com>) on the Business Page.

AT the end of a beaten path in the hills of Ocho Rios, just before you get into the town from Fern Gully, is an art paradise - Wassi Art Pottery Works.

The road, which leads to the art factory and gallery, is no indication of the fine operation being carried on by proprietors Robert and Terri Lee. But just as well. The journey somewhat parallels the process involved in transforming a piece of brown uninitiated clay into a fine work of art.

The piles of brown moist clay from Castleton, St. Mary, stored in drums just outside the main building, give no indication of the magnificent pieces produced by very skilful and creative artists.

Now 10 years old, Wassi Art is the result of an amalgamation of the creative skills of Robert and Terri Lee, both of whom are artists themselves, who really use this creative outlet as a hobby -- a hobby that has blossomed into a wonderfully creative and successful business. The name "Wassi" (Wah-si) is an old Jamaican dialect word derived from the Wasp. It means "terrific", "stinging" and captures the essence of the vision of Robert and Terri, of exposing the talents of young Jamaican artists in creations that are unique, beautiful and reflective of the Jamaican people and their culture. Vibrant and enthusiastic General Manager, Tresa Marsh, explains that the artists are basically given free reign to express their creative ideas in their work. Artists tend to be temperamental and their work will be a reflection of a particular mood, making it such an inspiring atmosphere.

The pieces produced at Wassi are therefore quite diverse in character. The artwork is created in spontaneity as the clay "speaks" to the artists and potters making each design an original and spiritual experience. The large studio is therefore a daily hub of tranquil creativity as potters and artists inspire and challenge each other to take their ideas to a greater level, pulling the entire studio into a frenzy of beautiful island art.

Wassi Art has recently expanded its market to overseas customers and with the establishment of its website, employees have their hands full, packaging overseas orders on a daily basis, which Marsh says is about 30 percent of total sales and growing steadily.

(for more on Wassi Art check the website or e-mail: wassi.art@cwjamaica.com)

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