A Work of Art

BY KEISHA MILLIGAN

Have you ever gone to a church in Belize and seen the beautiful and very artistic tabernacles, crosses and baptismal fonts and wonder how they were actually designed? Or who designed them? Well, the BELIZE TIMES caught up with Robert Lizama, who is one of the designers behind those beautiful arches and other items in the church. He told us that Lizama’s Art has been around for at least 45 years, having been started by his father Frank Lizama.

He grew up around carving, developing a natural love for it. He always watched on keenly as his father, Frank, and now deceased George Gabb used to do their carvings. He was intrigued and at a very early age, about 12-15, he started carving when his fathers’ shop was located at #13 Vernon Street and George Gabb had his shop on Albert Street. The very first piece formed by his hands was a Mayan dog, which he did for a primary school.

He later joined his father at Lizama’s Art, situated at #147 Cemetery Road, and began making mostly Christian carvings for churches and a few dolphins, boats, and other requested items. One of the most unique pieces they ever worked on was a carving of St. John’s Cathedral that was to be given as a gift. They were the artisans that made the key that was handed to Marion Jones on her visit to Belize.

They are also the craftsmen who designed the national symbols of Belize on the door of the Central Bank, boasted Robert. The job takes some time and requires very tiny blades that sometimes break while working, but when you look at your finished product, it is worth the while. Not to mention that his father who is now 78 still works with him on these projects.

On the wall, inside the workshop, the Lizamas have a map of Belize neatly and perfectly carved out. He explained that the wood used in each of the districts is the wood found there. Red Wood is used for Belize City, Zericote for Corozal, Mahogany for Orange Walk, Halla Mallato for Cayo, Pine for the Stann Creek District and Rosewood for Toledo.

The largest carving ever done was a 10 foot cross that was made for a place in Orlando. There is also a wood called cyprus that existed way back in 1812, which smells like pine that is used in one of the carvings.

Many of the things you see in St. Martin de Porres Church were designed by the father and son. One piece displayed by his father showing why some people can’t prosper in Belize. It shows how whenever someone tries to climb up a ladder, another person is right behind trying to pull them down.

Lizama’s Art is open from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Fridays. If they are needed or called on Saturday, then they will open up. They can be called at 227-3180 or visited just across the street from Carter’s Upholstery. There is a small sign in the fence.

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