David Gravesande is 44 and a Kite Maker by profession. Taught by his father, he began making kites from age six. He has a modest business on Jackson Dam, East Le Penitence.
His work for Easter begins in December. He buys wood, kite paper, grease proof paper and magazines. He collects Etay pointer and bamboo then starts his production.
He has made very small and very big kites. His smallest was two inches and he has made at least four, 8 feet kites. His kites have been entered in a number of kite flying competitions.
Every year he produces between 700 to 800 kites with the assistance of his two sons who he is gradually teaching the trade. All his kites are sold out.
David remembers being taught by his father then working and learning from another skilled Kite Maker named Buddy.
He had tried on a number of occasions to teach the art to youths but without success. He explained that they have little patience and soon stop coming to learn. One of his kites won the GT&T Kite Flying Competition in 2012.
While doing this interview many people including schools children arrived and made purchases or orders. David worked as we chatted and he demonstrated how quickly he can make a kite. In less than six minutes he had put together a two feet kite.
He remembers with pride his best kite being a 5’ creation of beauty and intricate designs. He is skillful at making the many types of loops: S-Bow, Triangle Bow, ½ Bow, Pulling and Mounting. The bulls are also a work of art. There are the singing Triangle and Flat Bulls.
David has made Kite tails from cloth, cord and rope. He remembers making fighting kites with razors in their tail.
These would contest with others and try to cut flying twines. These were plenty of fun.
“I love kite making and I would not feel good if I don’t make kites for Easter. You can say it is a calling.” His designs range from Stars, Star Points, Hearts and Butterflies. On some of his kites could be seen pictures of movie stars and singers.
David produces close to 100 frames every day. He then does the finished product according to orders. His big kites 5’ – 8’ take between ½ hour to forty five minutes to create.
David disclosed that he has two cousins who are Kite Makers. The remarkable thing about this is they are both females. He feels the trade runs in the family and does not see a future without kite making.
Whenever he begins measuring, checking, cutting, drilling, grooving, framing, pasting and designing, he is focused on doing a prefect job. His kites must live up to expectation. They must be even, they must be straight, they must be ‘will designed’ and they most of all must fly.
by Neil Primus
