IT'S not easy to make a living out of artwork ? but Duval (Dagga) Spencer has managed to carve out a niche in the market.

However, Mr. Spencer's aim in founding Bermuda Icons, the company that sells his creations from cedar wood, was not just to make money.

"I carve for myself rather than for my clients," 42-year-old Mr. Spencer said. "And for me, it's all about paying tribute to my ancestors, the people who came before us who made this country a success."

The icons he carves at his Pembroke home are principally Gombeys, though he is happy to carve anything that moves him, whether it be wildlife, a sporting hero or a policeman.

His largest piece is an eight-foot-by-ten-foot cedar wall sculpture depicting two tall ships on the ocean.

Mr. Spencer likes his work to have a Bermuda theme, though he will carve what clients ask him to.

Though it was far from easy to find business when he first started, his reputation has flourished and now his clientele includes the likes of Government, the Bank of Bermuda, the City of Hamilton and some international companies.

From an early age, Mr. Spencer knew he had a passion for art and no shortage of talent, but it was not until he injured his back in a working accident at the age of 30 that he actually started pursuing art as an occupation.

"From when I was five or six years old, I was always drawing things, animals, nature, cars and bikes," Mr. Spencer said.

"But I was not led to believe that there was any chance of a career in art. I never thought there was a place for me and my work."

he worked for the Works & Engineering Department, until the accident meant hard manual work was no longer an option for his employment. "I was driving a sit-down lawnmower and came to the crest of a hill when it slipped out of gear and the brakes failed," Mr. Spencer said.

"There was a steep 150-yard downhill stretch in front of me and as the lawnmower picked up speed, all I could do was jump off. And when I jumped off, I hurt my back."

With a newborn son, Taariq, Mr. Spencer needed income, but his options were limited. He started using his artistic skills and a whole new phase of his life opened up.

First he made basic medallions, embedding old penny coins in circular pieces of cedar wood and selling them for $10 each. He also worked with clay and bronze but he found that cedar was his favourite medium. Then he moved on to carving Gombeys.

For Mr. Spencer, the Gombey embodies the Bermudian spirit.

"For me it is therapeutic to carve the Gombey," Mr. Spencer said. "I start with a piece of cedar wood that looks like it could be a piece of trash.

"The carving reveals itself to me as I work. I bring out of the wood the story that is already there."

Two-and-a-half years ago, one of Mr. Spencer's favourite singers, Patti LaBelle, visited the island to perform in a Cup Match concert.

Mr. Spencer grabbed the opportunity to meet her and presented her with one of his cedar Gombeys.

"When I gave my Gombey to Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Smith saw it," Mr. Spencer said. "She asked me if I would do a piece for Thorold Masefield, the outgoing Governor.

"I could hardly believe it. That was one of the high points of my life. My art was being recognised by the Premier who wanted me to carve a piece for the Governor!"

Such recognition has provided Bermuda Icons with a real shot in the arm.

Recently Mr. Spencer completed his largest piece, the wall sculpture. It was commissioned by a private collector who wanted image of the two ships to be carved out in double quick time, while he was renovating the house in which it hung.

"It took me two-and-a-half months to produce," Mr. Spencer said. "I did it at break-neck speed, working for 15 or 16 hours a day.

"I found out a few things about myself during that time. I learned that no matter how massive the challenge appears to be, I can achieve it."

The wall sculpture set Mr. Spencer thinking about the possibilities for public art, something which he is pleased to see attracting interest from Government. He is a part of a movement called Symatron, which is pushing for more public art.

"I'm pleased to see Dr. Ewart Brown's interest in erecting the monument to those lost at sea, for example," Mr. Spencer said.

"I think the Government and others are beginning to see the value of public art. A lot of people have worked hard for this country and I want to pay tribute to them. That is what Bermuda Icons is all about. Where are the monuments to the black people who have come before us? To me, it's not about seeing a statue in a park and saying: 'I did that'.

"Public art can help people like War Vets, for example, because you could make copies of that monument and sell them with some of the proceeds going to the veterans."

Spencer hinted that there could be a major announcement on a piece of public art "within the next few weeks" but said for now it was being kept under wraps.

Remembering the lack of encouragement he received as a youngster, Mr. Spencer set up an organisation called Woodworkers' Guild to encourage today's talented young sculptors and carvers.

He runs the guild with Carlton Butler, described by Mr. Spencer as "a master sculptor", and his son Taariq is one of those benefiting from their wisdom.

l To contact Bermuda Icons or to learn more about the Woodworkers' Guild, call Mr. Spencer on 293-4265.