Creating exceptional artwork that stands the test of time requires not only skill but also patience, passion, and dedication.
When it comes to stone sculpting, Lennon Qaqojama is a name that stands out. With his skilled hands, he transforms cold, lifeless stone into breathtaking masterpieces that not only hold great market value but also provide a livelihood and immense satisfaction to their creator.
Lennon, a 36-year-old self-taught stone sculptor from Obobulu village in South Rannoga, Western Province, has spent years perfecting the art of carving statues, monuments, and grave markers from Patu, a black stone prized for its durability and beauty.
For Lennon, sculpting is more than just a craft; it is a passion, a livelihood, and a way to contribute to his community.
“It takes creativity, patience, passion, and love for my art,” Lennon told Solomon Star in an interview last week.
“My hands are steady as I hold the chisel and carve intricate patterns into a slab of stone.”
Lennon’s journey into stone sculpting began in 2009. Initially, he focused on traditional carvings, selling his pieces to tourists visiting the Western Province. During those years, he earned good money, sometimes making up to $3,000 on a busy day.
However, as tourism fluctuated, the demand for carvings decreased, prompting him to shift towards creating monuments and grave markers.
Despite the challenges, Lennon embraced the opportunity and dedicated himself to mastering this specialized craft.
His tools are simple but effective—chisels, hammers, and a few other essentials. With these, he transforms raw stone into stunning works of art. Today, his sculptures are in high demand, with clients seeking custom pieces for memorials, landmarks, and religious statues.
Lennon has turned his talent into a sustainable business. Prices for his pieces range from $2,000 for small monuments to $5,000 for larger ones.
The earnings go directly toward supporting his family, funding his children’s education, and contributing to his community’s needs.
December is particularly busy for Lennon, as orders for monuments and grave markers pour in from families across the Western Province and beyond.
“December is always a big month for me. People place their orders early so I can complete them by the end of the year,” he said.
The process of creating a monument or marker can take up to three to four weeks, requiring patience and determination.
Despite his success, Lennon faces challenges in sourcing quality materials. He often has to personally provide the stone and tools needed for his projects, which adds to his expenses.
“There are times when it’s tough, especially when materials run out or I need to invest in new and better tools. But I always find a way because this is my passion, and it helps me support my family,” said Lennon, a father of four.
His clients come from across the Solomon Islands, including Malaita, Guadalcanal, Choiseul, Vella, Kolombangara, Simbo, and Rannoga Island.
To date, he has completed 25 stone sculptures, including religious monuments, memorials for loved ones, statues, and grave markers.
His most recent project was a monument in his village of Obobulu, created for the United Church Women’s Fellowship (UCWF).
“Over the years, I have created two monuments in Malaita, one in Guadalcanal, five in Choiseul, one in Vella, one in Kolombangara, two in Simbo, and thirteen in Rannoga Island.
“All of these are for various purposes, from religious monuments to statues and graveyards,” Lennon explained.
Unlike the more expensive marble stones bought in shops, Lennon’s pricing is reasonable, making his work accessible to a wide range of clients.
In addition to his sculpting, Lennon and his wife sell garden produce at the Gizo Market, helping to sustain their household, particularly during slower months for stonework.
Lennon’s work not only benefits his family but also contributes to his community. He has been involved in local projects and provides financial support to those in need.
“Whatever I earn, I make sure to give back, whether it’s helping with school fees, supporting community events, or assisting people who need a hand,” he says humbly.
His dedication to his craft and community has earned him respect and admiration. Many young people in his village look up to him, inspired by his hard work and perseverance.
Lennon hopes to pass on his knowledge to the younger generation, ensuring the art of stone sculpting thrives in the years to come.
“I want to teach others, especially the young boys in my community, so they can learn this skill and use it to create a livelihood for themselves,” he said.
His dream is for stone sculpting to gain more recognition, not just as a cultural art form but also as a viable business in the Solomon Islands.
“There’s a lot of potential in this craft. If we support local artists and invest in their work, it could become a bigger industry,” he added.
For Lennon, stone is more than just a material—it’s a canvas, a means of storytelling, and a bridge between the past and the future.
By Ulutah Gina
Solomon Star, Gizo
