FROM modest woodcarvings to top-notch sculptures, Kamal Davidson has become one of Sandals Montego Bay’s most sought-after creative prop designers.

His distinctive pieces have drawn much praise and resulted in frequent requests from the resort’s entertainment and photo shop departments to enhance their own production sets and photo session backdrops.

No stranger to carpentry, Davidson’s early inspiration began at age eight when he observed his cousin Neville Wint design furniture for a living. His interest was cemented during his secondary school years at Bowman’s High in Mandeville where he excelled in woodwork.

“When it was time to do my school-based assessment (SBA) project for woodwork class, I doodled ideas for furniture pieces, but I wanted to be different. I also wanted to think outside the box, so I decided to make a coffin,” Davidson recalled.

Although he received a perfect grade for the SBA, he thinks the idea was an extreme one. However, the detailing and clean finish on that project has become Davidson’s trademark which today leaves his clients satisfied.

After years of working on construction sites in Manchester and later at a call centre in Montego Bay, he, in 2006, landed a job as a contractor in the maintenance department at Sandals Montego Bay.

Davidson initially stuck to his basic duties of furniture restoration and creating smaller wooden items as the resort required but his craftsmanship soon became apparent and the requests for prop designs poured in.

The pieces of which he is most proud include a bobsled and a partial shipwreck.

“Everyone on the resort was amazed at the outcome and I felt motivated by the feedback,” Davidson said.

The positive feedback has fuelled his commitment and passion, prompting him to work long hours to successfully complete his designs and his supervsiors are pleased.

“I allow Kamal to do his own thing. He does not require much supervision as he knows exactly what is required of him. If you explain clearly your vision, he will bring it to life and surpass your expectations,” said chief engineer at the resort Carwyn Lawrence.

The results reflect Davidson’s artful creations with his clients’ vision of their own hopeful designs.

Entertainment Manager Shanna Walsh attests to this.

“The props created by Kamal add much appeal and value to my entertainment productions. The eye-catching designs on stage are the first thing you see before show time. It, therefore, creates much anticipation for our guests to come out and enjoy the show,” she said.

Davidson’s latest innovation was the creation of props to enhance the resort’s New Year’s Eve Ball in 2012. With the resort’s theme of ‘Heaven on Earth’, Davidson crafted white pearly gates with arch angels that were mounted throughout the resort. With the help of the entertainment department team, the resort was transformed, heightening the expectations for what was a spectacular end-of-year celebration.

“I see this as a hobby,” said Davidson, who is hopeful that he will one day operate his own business.