WE live in a society that generally over-emphasizes formal education as the ultimate means to financial freedom and a successful lifestyle.
Understandably, many people have bought into the notion that pursuing a tertiary education, especially beyond a first degree, is the ideal way to be more than just ordinary, primarily in one’s professional life.
While the conventional educational persuit may certainly have its merits,some people are determined to change the perception that tertiary education is the be all end-all to professional success. One such individual is Earl Joseph, a thirty-one year old sculptor from Grande Riviere, Dennery. Although his educational journey ended after his sixth year at Bexon Primary School, he has now chosen to carve his own path and make his mark regardless of his early school departure.
Joseph is no stranger to hardship. His father was an agriculturist, and Joseph sometimes missed school to help him on his farm. His sheer desire to assist his family propelled him to take on a trade at an age when today’s male teenager would be basking in the glorious years of video gaming and living life at his parents’ expense.
At fourteen, he became an employee/apprentice, working under well-known local sculptor, Vincent Joseph Eudovic. When Eudovic realised that Joseph, along with other sculptors had acquired a certain level of adeptness at their craft, he soon encouraged them to work independently and to sell their own pieces.
Joseph’s journey as a sculptor has been one hindered by some insecurity. Notwithstanding the fact that he was under the tutelage of the noteable sculptor, Eudovic, and his son, he admits that for years, carving was something he didn’t think he was good at. He simply saw it as a means of earning a living. With time, he eventually realised his potential. The man who once doubted himself began to believe in himself, with encouragement from those who saw his potential. Sculpting phenomenal pieces, an activity which he once thought of as an ongoing, mechanical venture to make ends meet, turned into a labour of love and a means of personal gratification, creative expression and, according to Joseph, special intuition.
Many wise sayings address how confidence in one’s abilities often is the stepping-stone to the development of personal ambitions and increased motivation to achieve them. Armed with confidence in his potential, Joseph is already positioning himself to achieve his goals. He has learnt a lot from Eudovic, but has also been greatly influenced by two of his personal heroes: Joachim Eudovic, who he admires for the care he takes in crafting his own work, and Lamitye, an artist from the Babonneau community.
Thanks to his past experiences and improved belief in his abilities and ambition, he has already began attempting to give his wall pieces and other pieces of sculpture some much deserved exposure. His work has been displayed at his parent’s bakery in Thomazo and Eudovic’s Art Studio. Just last year, his work attracted media attention, when he was featured in the DBS News’ “Everyday People” segment. He’s already began making a name for himself with local clients, one of whom has expressed interest in ordering one hundred aquatic themed pieces.
Although his business is not yet fully established, Joseph has big dreams as a young, up and coming sculptor. As other artists have lamented, there is a dearth of suitable local platforms for artists like himself to market and sell their pieces. As a man who is committed to his craft, and one who also believes in the obligation to expose or share talents, he aspires to change that. He hopes to one day open a workshop that not only allows potential clients to have access to his work, but also offers art enthusiasts the added pleasure of viewing the processes involved in creating his carvings on-site.
Considering Joseph’s educational background and early school departure, I had to ask him about his view on how well he believed St. Lucia’s education system catered to people with his interests, interests in technical subjects and visual arts. He believes that there is an inadequate supply of non-traditional schools that are specially catered to students gifted in these areas. Perhaps, the next generation will be fortunate enough to have the benefit of greater opportunities in the form of a greater variety of course offerings, so that their abilities can be thoroughly enhanced.
Joseph realizes that growing his business takes time. Aside from past hurdles, he continues carving his own path of success, so that perhaps others, with the right combination of faith and determination, may follow.