UNIQUE POTTERY FROM WASSI ART - JAMAICA TOURIST ISSUE 16
If you are on the hunt for authentic Jamaican craft items, you definitely need to take a look at the outstanding pottery from Wassi Art and the functional home accessories from the Bellina Collections. While Wassi Art is famous for its unique vases, jars, mugs, jugs, teasets and colourful bowls, the Bellina Collections give your home a Caribbean touch with trays, placemats, coasters and boxes all in vibrant tropical colors and themes.
Wassi Art is an unexpected treasure chest of unusual pottery that has delighted visitors and collectors over the years. Located in the idyllic resort town of Ocho Rios, the company was established by Robert and Terri Lee in 1990. Merging Robert’s talent as a graphic artist and entrepreneur seamlessly with Terri’s creativity and art heritage, their mutual love of art and enterprise are expressed through Wassi art’s unique pieces. From its early beginning with 3 intuitive artisans two decades ago, the company currently counts 40 employees. To tap into this foundation of talent, a very unorthodox approach of encouraging artistic freedom in a production setting was utilized. The result is an explosion of gorgeous art created in spontaneity as the clay “speaks” to the artisans. Each creation is an experience of human spirit poured into fire and earth to create a cherished island treasure.
To expand the production of locally made quality craft, Wassi Art recently merged with Bellina Collections. High quality, functional home accessories that capture the vibrant colours, motifs and flavour of the Caribbean, Bellina products are reproduced from orginal paintings done by artist Althea Costabile and handcrafted by local craftsmen.
The company is committed to the creation of functional home accessories and collectible arts and craft for the local market as well as for export. They have recently opened a new retail store at Kingston’s historic Devon House, which features Wassi Arts works as well as other Jamaican potters and artists. The inclusion of other artists is deliberate to show support of the local industry. The store provides an outlet for both established and up and coming artists to showcase their talent.
Wassi Art designs adorn homes worldwide. Says Wassi Art Marketing Manager Shelle Tweedie, “Our decorative pieces are collected by Kofi Annan, Shari Belafonte, Bryan Adams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jesse Jackson, Hon. P.J. Patterson, just to name a few.” 100% Jamaican, the clay comes from Castleton in the parish of St. Mary. Once processed, Wassi Art’s potter Michael Hunter forms it into outstanding pieces of art, while artist like Ramon Smith applies the colorful finishing that gives the pieces that authentic Wassi Art look.
Visit the Wassi Art factory and Bellina Collections in Ocho Rios Monday-Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 4:00 pm on public holidays). Call 974-5044. In Kingston at Devon House, opening hours Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Call 906-5016. Wassi Art and Bellina Collections are also available at all major hotels and gift shops island-wide. www.wassiart.com
Wassi Art is an unexpected treasure chest of unusual pottery that has delighted visitors and collectors over the years. Located in the idyllic resort town of Ocho Rios, the company was established by Robert and Terri Lee in 1990. Merging Robert’s talent as a graphic artist and entrepreneur seamlessly with Terri’s creativity and art heritage, their mutual love of art and enterprise are expressed through Wassi art’s unique pieces. From its early beginning with 3 intuitive artisans two decades ago, the company currently counts 40 employees. To tap into this foundation of talent, a very unorthodox approach of encouraging artistic freedom in a production setting was utilized. The result is an explosion of gorgeous art created in spontaneity as the clay “speaks” to the artisans. Each creation is an experience of human spirit poured into fire and earth to create a cherished island treasure.
To expand the production of locally made quality craft, Wassi Art recently merged with Bellina Collections. High quality, functional home accessories that capture the vibrant colours, motifs and flavour of the Caribbean, Bellina products are reproduced from orginal paintings done by artist Althea Costabile and handcrafted by local craftsmen.
The company is committed to the creation of functional home accessories and collectible arts and craft for the local market as well as for export. They have recently opened a new retail store at Kingston’s historic Devon House, which features Wassi Arts works as well as other Jamaican potters and artists. The inclusion of other artists is deliberate to show support of the local industry. The store provides an outlet for both established and up and coming artists to showcase their talent.
Wassi Art designs adorn homes worldwide. Says Wassi Art Marketing Manager Shelle Tweedie, “Our decorative pieces are collected by Kofi Annan, Shari Belafonte, Bryan Adams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jesse Jackson, Hon. P.J. Patterson, just to name a few.” 100% Jamaican, the clay comes from Castleton in the parish of St. Mary. Once processed, Wassi Art’s potter Michael Hunter forms it into outstanding pieces of art, while artist like Ramon Smith applies the colorful finishing that gives the pieces that authentic Wassi Art look.
Visit the Wassi Art factory and Bellina Collections in Ocho Rios Monday-Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 4:00 pm on public holidays). Call 974-5044. In Kingston at Devon House, opening hours Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Call 906-5016. Wassi Art and Bellina Collections are also available at all major hotels and gift shops island-wide. www.wassiart.com
