Balford creating palm wood carvings outside his 4th Street shop.
An artist from Montego Bay, Jamaica has carved his own niche in the eclectic 4th Street scene: Balford, owner of Slice of Jamaica, is a woodcarver who can often be seen creating his distinctive work outside his shop.
Slice of Jamaica, at 950 East 4th Street, is one of those tiny storefronts you thank yourself for finding after slowing down and opening your eyes to a neighborhood’s riches (it’s a 1/2 block east of the V Room. Look for the giant red coffee pot; its spout points directly across the street at Slice of Jamaica). Ample trappings of reggae culture are available: Tie-died dresses, knit caps, maracas made from coconuts, djembe drums, backpacks, jewelry, Bob Marley posters, reggae CD’s, and more. But the best feature of Slice of Jamaica is Balford and his craftsmanship.
Balford arrived in the States a decade and a half ago and could soon be found carving and selling his wares behind a small table at the corner of 4th and Cherry. Within a few years he moved into his first location on 4th Street, then moved across the street to his current spot a few years later. He enjoys visiting with neighbors while carving outside the shop’s front door. The deep, rich sound of reggae pouring out from the shop (Balford lists Marley, Gregory Isaacs, and Dennis Brown as a few of his favorite reggae artists) provides an evocative soundtrack as Balford creates woodwork out of palm, oak, walnut, mahogany, and cedar. “I like artists who sing about peace and love,” says Balford.
Balford sometimes gets commissioned to create custom statues, walking sticks, sculptures, or picture frames, but usually just pictures something in his mind and goes from there. He doesn’t create time limits or deadlines for himself–“I don’t pressure my brain,” he says. He does work to create a larger audience for his art, often renting booth space at various beach events and reggae festivals.
Balford enjoys the effect his store has on his patrons. “My guests often tell me they’ll come in here when they’re in a bad mood, spend a few minutes, and leave feeling relaxed and full of energy,” he says. Positive vibration, indeed.
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