Bongani Gumede (24) has the ability to draw or paint any picture and bring it to life.
The Elandspark, self-taught artist is a gem when it comes to sketching with detail in his work. He said this passion started in primary school.
“My teacher told us to bring any artwork to her. She noticed my talent and told me to bring more drawings every day. As this was my first love, it wasn’t a problem.
“I would draw what I like and at that time I loved soccer and car racing. I presented my teacher with a Michael Schumacher drawing and she was thrilled. I have been drawing since then and I love it,” explained Bongani.
An artist in heart and soul
He continued to draw in high school, where he took art as one of his subjects. At this time, he would be asked by family, friends and other people to do their portraits.
Bongani mentioned he has always been an artist. Although he found himself working for a call centre and in marketing, he’d still find a pencil or paint brush in his hand without thinking.
Covid-19 made him reminisce about his primary school art teacher. When he went through his work, he realised this is what he needs to do moving forward.
“This time at home made me realise this is what I want to do, not just for me but for those who appreciate and love art. The work of an artist is to portray what is inside of him, to send out messages.
“Our voice is our drawings. We can portray how gender-based violence affects the community and we can portray how Covid-19 ravages our livelihood,” he said.
A slow process
Bongani does all kinds of drawings, be it is canvas painting with oil, pastel painting or pencil on the paper, he is comfortable doing it all.
He mentioned that some other drawings can take months to finish.
“I put time into my work, I don’t rush. I would start with blocks, then frame and I will go to smaller details. When I feel like I’m done, I will leave it for a week and then I will come back to see whether I have left something out and I would add it,” he said.
Since Bongani is at home and unemployed, he said he will work with other people, NGOs and communities to impart his skills. He would also love to learn from other people.
“I want to reach a bigger audience. I live with my family, which for years now have been pushing me to pursue this path,” he said.
He can be contacted at bmgumededapper100@gmail.com or on 081 771 3786.
