Jamaican Products is thrilled to deliver the second of our blog series focusing on Jamaica In Art. The Jamaican Products collection features 9 exquisite pieces, each crafted in Jamaica by 7 talented Caribbean artists. The featured artists include Robert Campbell, Jackie Leyra, Albert Huie, Roy Stephenson, Shaun Reid, Lennox Coke, and Novelette Gonzales-Barnes.
In this, the second of the blogs in the series, we delve into the unique story behind Robert Campbell.
Throughout this series, Jamaican Products will not showcase artworks directly in the blogs. Instead, Jamaican Products invites you to explore them on the relevant collection page. Sit back, enjoy the narratives, and leave a message letting Jamaican Products know if you share a connection with any of the places mentioned in Jamaica or beyond.
“Faces” is a 3 dimensional ceramic pottery of 2 faces by Jamaican artist Robert Campbell. From Race Course, Clarendon, Campbell faced a pivotal moment at the tender age of 14 when he lost his mother. With limited options and an absent father, continuing his education seemed improbable. His days at Ensom City All-Age School in St Catherine abruptly concluded, pushing him into the world of work at a young age.
Initially, Campbell immersed himself in furniture building, where he swiftly honed his woodcarving skills. His proficiency in this craft became his initial source of income and marked the beginning of his journey into the realm of artistic creation.
Campbell’s passion for wood sculpting deepened during his involvement with the Mighty Gully Youth Project in Old Harbour, St Catherine. Here, he discovered a profound love for wood sculptures, crafting some of his earliest and most exquisite pieces, still cherished today.
His trajectory took a serendipitous turn while working at Wassi Art, initially as a wood joiner. Fascinated by the ceramics section, he experimented with clay, impressing his superiors with his innate talent. Encouraged to explore this newfound passion further, Campbell transitioned into ceramics, first part-time and eventually full-time. This marked a pivotal shift in his artistic focus from woodcarving to ceramics, defying his earlier expectations of becoming solely a woodcarver.
Campbell’s expertise in ceramics expanded significantly when he was contracted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) as a consultant. His role took him across the Caribbean, where he taught mould-making and sculpting in countries like Anguilla, Barbados, and Montserrat. Notably, he initiated a pottery project in Montserrat, leaving a lasting impact on local artisans.
In recognition of his talent and contributions to Caribbean artistry, Campbell was selected as one of the top 10 designers by the Caribbean Export Development Agency in Barbados in 2014, highlighting his growing influence in the regional art scene.
The culmination of Campbell’s artistic journey thus far came in 2017 when he was chosen as one of nine artisans sponsored by the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme. This initiative provided intensive training in ceramic techniques and pottery at the African Minerals and Geo Sciences Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This international exposure not only enriched his skills but also underscored his status as a distinguished Caribbean artisan on the global stage.
Robert Campbell’s story is one of resilience, artistic evolution, and dedication to craft. From humble beginnings in Clarendon to becoming a renowned ceramic artist and educator, his journey continues to inspire and elevate Caribbean artistry worldwide.
From a young man who left school at 14 without parental support, Robert Campbell has emerged as a prominent figure in the Caribbean’s creative industry. His artistic repertoire spans sculpting, carving, painting, mould-making, and more, reflecting a diverse skill set cultivated through both experience and formal training.
An educator at heart, Campbell has not only mastered his craft but also shares his expertise generously. Since returning to Jamaica, he has taught ceramic production, imparting his knowledge to over 30 individuals, nurturing a new generation of artisans in the process.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Campbell candidly acknowledges a period of artistic exploration without a clear market strategy. Initially creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, he realised the necessity of a more structured approach to sustain his career. Upon returning to Jamaica in 2011, he shifted gears, adopting a business-minded approach that has since revitalised his artistic endeavours.
Campbell’s current focus lies in ceramic production under his brand, Khadabra – Hands in Clay. Positioned as an umbrella organisation, Khadabra aims to support artists in developing and marketing their products globally, fostering innovation and collaboration within the artistic community.
Robert Campbell’s journey exemplifies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to continuous growth within the Caribbean’s artistic landscape. His evolution from a self-taught artisan to an influential educator and entrepreneur underscores his dedication to shaping the future of Caribbean artistry.
View this 3 dimensional ceramic pottery “Faces” by Campbell, that is framed and ready to mount on your wall at: https://www.jamaicanproducts.com.au/product/faces-29cm24cm/
Jamaican Products eagerly awaits your feedback on the series celebrating Jamaica in Art.
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