David Wilson - artist, teacher and innovator

Correction & Clarification


The story 'David Wilson - artist, teacher, and innovator' published in Rural express incorrectly identified Paul H. Williams as the photographer and also carried an incorrect caption of the painting. The painting 'Stone's Hope', by Wilson, was the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's 2005 bronze-winning entry

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Valerie Dixon, Gleaner Writer

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:VERY FEW persons know from an early age exactly what they want to become in adulthood. David Wilson knew that he would become an artist. He says that his early artistic ability was greatly influenced by his parents and older siblings.

Wilson was born in Oxford District near Balaclava in St Elizabeth. He is the son of Ishmail and Ethlyn Wilson. He has two brothers and four sisters. He is a devout Christian. He is married to Tracey Ann, who he describes as a beautiful Christian lady. They have two wonderful children - Abigail and Aaron.

David attended the Roses Valley All-Age and Balaclava Primary schools and won a place to Manchester High School. Throughout high school, he excelled at art and was given the award for being the best student. He said he followed the directives of the Lord and went to Mico Teachers' College where he trained as an art teacher.

He has been a teacher at Manchester High School for the last 12 years. He specialises in the teaching of visual and design art, preparing students for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination, as well as for art and design in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination. His many awards include Best Student of Art and Best Teacher of Art at Mico Teachers' College. He also has won awards for painting from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

In addition to his passion for teaching, painting, and organic gardening, Wilson has added another interest and is working very hard to convert this new passion into a business venture.

Many persons are now shying away from the man-made chemicals contained in pharmaceutical medicines and are seeking remedies made from natural ingredients. Charcoal has been used as a medicinal susbstance from as early as 1500 BC, and it has progressed steadily since.

Superior qualities

As an innovator, Wilson has found a new way to make food-grade charcoal from bamboo. He says that this innovation is preferred above other hardwood charcoal because of its superior qualities. His bamboo charcoal powder, VigorVia, is perfect for the entire family and can also be used for pets, in the garden, home, at the office, and in the car.

Bamboocharcoal is so absorbent that it is often used to treat individuals who have been poisoned, have overdosed on drugs, experience intestinal discomfort, as well as for many other health conditions.

Wilson claims that his product is on par with the best and can be safely used to purify water and the air in our homes. It can control humidity, and when used as directed, can keep fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. When the charcoal powder is added to bath water, the water becomes more alkaline (similar to hot springs) and will keep skins soft and joints free from pain as well as help with circulation.

When asked if these claims have been tested and if they have met the standards of approval as outlined by the Bureau of Standards, the answer was a resounding yes. However, Wilson has one small hurdle to overcome: to ensure that his label complies with local and international standards. He has now met all the requirements and is only awaiting the official letter of approval to be placed in his hands.

Wilson's artwork will be on display and for sale at the art gallery that will be set up by the JCDC at the Marcus Garvey Fair to be held in Resource, Manchester, on the last Sunday in February. Wilson can be contacted for additional information at dewcoolgallery@yahoo.com or vigorvia@gmail.com.