Guyana kite flying returns in full, artisans passing on tradition
Ryan Naar is the youngest kite making artist, along with Trevor Smith and Morris Prince, two older designers whose colorful kites are lighting up a bustling Camp Street, Georgetown, Guyana to attract kite flying lovers.
Naar has a dazzling array of kites on display, decorated with glitter on cellophane paper, others with graffiti paint and finished with streamers on the sides, all made with love and care for a colorful spectacle in the skyline.
He said he is passionate about passing on the custom to future generations because it is a part of the Guyanese culture that must be preserved. Naar is not only teaching his nephews the finer details of fabricating the framework, he is also teaching them the pasting techniques to create masterpiece patterns.
Maurice Prince displays some of his kites from a large collection ready for celebrants to be flown on the Seawall. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Like him, Maurice Prince is a skilled artisan who has been designing kites for over 30 years. His kites are intricately designed in Starpoint, and Singing Engine. He also sells the plastic kites because they are requested to celebrate the historic kite flying season, that symbolizes so many things. In Guyana nationals celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by flying kites while enjoying the Easter season at picnics.
Prince who is an artist who created pieces from wood, says depending on the design, it takes him about 10 minutes. He explained that he is making a great effort to keep kite making alive and well in Guyana because it is an artform that he was born into. While growing up he learned from a very young age how to create the toy in preparation for it to be hoisted into the air over the Seawall. A wholesale purchase is also available.
“It gives me enjoyment to teach the next generation about the pastime that is a part of the Guyanese culture,” he shared.
Trevor Smith is excited that he completed 1000 kites to meet the returning demand after the three-year coronavirus shutdown. He inspired two other kite makers to set up shop on the same Camp Street, Georgetown strip, where scores of kites are on sale. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Trevor Smith, who is a master of the art of kite making, and been at it for 44 years, and who has no intention of giving up his mastery any time soon, is always excited to talk about the many hours it takes to finish his yearly collection.
Smith, who has been featured many times in this publication, because of his persistence and determination every year, has created 1000 kites this year, noting that after three years of the coronavirus pandemic, the sky will be a kaleidoscope of color.
“I am more energetic than ever to be back out on the street after a difficult three years. I already sold 100 kites, and I expect to sell my entire collection this year,” he said, in preparation for the outpouring of customers who are preparing for the April 8 – 10 weekend when the air will be littered with colorful designs of kites.
“A lot of fathers have strayed away from the traditional art of kite making. The Chinese are making the plastic bird kites, and for some dad’s it’s an easy and cheaper way out. They would just purchase a bird kite, and be satisfied,” he said adding that the cost of materials skyrocketed after the pandemic.
“I thank my daughter in the United States who sent me kite making paper, if she hadn’t helped, I would not have afforded to make so many kites, due to the inflated prices of materials,” said Smith.
As such, he said he had to add an extra dollar to the price of his kites, noting there was a slight increase on each kite. However, Smith and his fellow vendors, are calling on celebrants to get their kites early, as they expect to sell out their inventory, due to the great demand as the Easter holiday custom returns in full.
Happy Easter!
