IF you have a taste for furniture made from natural fibres, notably the Philodendrum lacerum, then it is to a wicker man — be he a small or large operator — that you must turn.

Career & Education talks this week to Arthur Williams, a wicker manufacturer of more than 30 years, for insight into the career option.

He grows his wicker in Fairy Hill, Eastern Portland, as part of a forestry reserve on two acres of land he has designated for developmental purposes, with unlimited acreage available for managed propagation if he and his team can raise the necessary capital to make it happen.

Williams holds a first degree in biochemistry with a minor in economics from the Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts and has done postgraduate studies in financial marketing at Boston College.

The 76-year-old has over 10 years of experience working in chemical manufacturing and another decade working in international marketing. He has also done consultancy on inner-city economic development and biochemical research.

Williams is currently the executive director of the non-governmental organisation Integrated Agro and Industrial Programme of Jamaica and the Americas/St Mary’s Anglican Church Production and Training Programme started in 1987 — of which the Wonderful World of Wicker forms a part.

They offer, along with the manufacturing and marketing of a variety of wicker furniture and designs, training to people with an interest in developing the wicker craft, allowing said individuals to “earn as they learn”. They also repair wicker furniture at their 1 Richings Avenue, Kingston 6 location.

In addition to the Philodendron lacerum (wicker), among the range of natural fibres they work with for their creations are bamboo, pandana lilly, and the hoop/hook withes.

Who is a natural fibres/wicker manufacturer?

We design and make wicker furniture for the local and international market. The embryonic stage of being a wicker craftsman is the training in wicker basketry. Then you can continue to learn how to take that same process and apply it to chairs and other furniture using the same technique as someone who has been doing it.

What is the value of the work that you do?

It assists in the development of a viable natural fibre/wicker industry for Jamaica (through) propagation, training, manufacturing, and distribution.

What prompted your entry into the field?

My holistic background before reaching Jamaica’s shores and initial association after arriving in Jamaica (are what led to my involvement in the wicker industry). My natural environmentally friendly inclinations evolving from happy rural experiences as a child, followed by related academic and professional accomplishments (also helped).

What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day presently, as opposed to past years, consists more with creating sustainable marketable structures that can be replicated.

What do you most enjoy about your work?

The greatest joy is to see the Jamaican wicker craftsmen and women enthusiastically enjoy their chosen skill with some financial comfort in a poor macroeconomic climate.

What are the challenges you face on the job?

The on-the-job challenges can be reduced to maintaining short-term viability while attempting to develop the marketing structures necessary for future local and global exploitation.

What are the academic requirements for entry into the field?

Many farmers have become successful in agriculture without any formal education. Consequently, an agro-forestry farmer traditionally needed no formal education to plant wicker, however, formal education can only enhance understanding in all the areas of agro-propagation (and manufacturing). The future is demanding more educational competence directed towards technology (for example) so people interested in getting into the business now should proceed in this direction. In other words, don’t close your eyes to education.

Trained as a wicker craftsman, what type of options are open to you?

You can go and work for a manufacturer or start a small business for yourself as a small man, which you see (many people) sitting by the road (for example) doing.

Why would you advise anyone to get into the field?

They can start their own small business and supply (the market). Jamaica has an abundance of natural fibres than can be utilised for value-added products (which can be easily accessible). We have men who do just baskets that make a better living than I do.

How much can a wicker manufacturer make on an annual basis?

A wicker manufacturer, according to his organisational structure and his level of aggressiveness, can make several million dollars a year. An individual wicker reaper might be able to earn up to $50,000 per month, with little overhead, in the prevailing environment, servicing his manufacturing constituency while still cultivating his edible crops.