TRADITIONAL FORMS, MODERN FIGURES
The contemporary-traditional blend in Martin Gaiti’s sculptures has been drawing loyal customers to his booth for years. Depicting African traditional forms and incorporating them with modern sculptural figures is how Gaiti describes his hobby-turned-career. Using variations of stone and color, he carves contemporary art creations, inspired by the traditional forms of his native Africa. He prefers working with stones indigenous to Africa, specifically the Kisii soapstone and Serpentine stone. Gaiti’s creations prove that traditional influence can mingle with modern sculpture.

FINISHING UP WHAT THE ADULTS STARTED
Born and raised in Africa, Gaiti received his training in the form of a gift, a skill passed from generation to generation. “I am the fourth generation. I was fortunate to have a father who lived to be 101 years old, who taught me all I needed to know in the skill of carving,” Gaiti says. With a degree in Finance and Marketing, Gaiti decided to turn his hobby into a career, after spending years as a child helping the adults “finish what carving projects they had started.” After completing college, he was unable to find work that offered the kind of flexibility Gaiti had desired. In 1991, he started selling and exhibiting his work, forming a broad base of devoted customers.

A FAMILY OF CUSTOMERS
Inspiration comes in many forms. For Gaiti, his wife Margaret, served as support and inspiration in his carving. “She has gone as far as learning some of the skills in working with the stone,” he says. Those who have become well-known customers of Gaiti’s are like family to him, staying committed to his craft and collecting every new piece of his popular African animal creations. In the future, Gaiti and his wife plan on relocating somewhere close to the Indian Ocean. As for the art, he will continue fulfilling the backlog of orders his popular creations have presented. “Sometimes I am just waiting for the right stone and color to show up. Thank goodness I have very understanding customers,” says Gaiti.