Tiger's Eye and Recycled Plastic Beaded Pendant Necklace, "Eco Gem"

“Kwabena Owusu Bediako is my name. I was born in Luton, England. Jewelry crafting is my specialty. My friends say I am stylish, introspective, and a spiritual man who gives reverence to God. My hopes and dreams are to be the richest man in Africa and to support the arts.

“An especially difficult moment in my life was when I lost my dad in my early teens, but I have overcome it, and I realized that I was brought into this world to take over what he started. One embarrassing thing that happened to me was when I was awarded second-place in an eating competition at church in my early teens.

“I got interested in this craft because I have been imaginative since childhood, and I made accessories out of basic materials, imagining and creating with ease. I wasn't taught by anyone; I just watched people do it, and I mastered the craft through continuous practice and observation. My inspiration comes from the world, the things I see, and my own imagination. I am always on the lookout for artisans with an eye for detail that can help me design my pieces. I have even been able to teach my craft to a few people in my church.

“My favorite thing about this craft is that I love to imagine things and turn my visions into a reality. The most challenging part of my craft is when I have to redo what I have already created, just to perfect my art.

“My work benefits my community because it showcases the relevance of arts in my community, where art is not usually paid much attention. Since I am a self-trained artisan, my story has inspired others to become interested in the arts.”