Talented sketch artist (16) seeking professional mentor

A young aspiring artist, Khotso Sekake (16), has been drawing and using art from a young age as a means to express himself.

“I started drawing cartoons while I was watching them on television; however, at the time I didn’t realise that I was talented,” Khotso said.

“In 2015, I started drawing professionally after watching videos on YouTube on how to draw other images, other than cartoons. I then started drawing my friends at school and they told me I was actually good. That’s when my family and friends started supporting me.”

The Benoni CBD resident described his paintings as his way of conveying a message to the public.

“I’m a reserved and shy person. I like to be alone, so sometimes when I’m feeling down I just take a pencil and paper and draw whatever image comes up into my mind,” Khotso said.

“This is how I express myself. To me, it is another way of communicating because whatever I draw, there is a message behind it.”

Khotso said drawing requires effort and focus. It takes him about one week to finish a drawing, depending on the size and he sells his art from as little as R150.

“If people want me to draw for them, they need to submit a picture and I will also require a deposit. This has, however, been of a challenge as some people don’t end up paying me for my work,” he said.

The self-trained artist said he would like a professional to mentor him.

After matric, Khotso wants to study to be a doctor, as he wants to make a difference in his community and only draw as a hobby.

His aunt, Sentebale Mohanoe, said she realised that her nephew was talented when he to drew a leg skeleton from one of her X-rays.

“As a family, we always encourage and motivate him to believe in himself and his art,” said Sentebale.

“I wish him all the success in the world and I hope that he can find someone who can mentor him.”

Khotso enjoys watching TV, reading, and playing soccer when his not drawing.

In his collection, he has paintings of the late former president Nelson Mandela and SA rapper Cassper Nyovest.

He is currently drawing Nakia, from the Black Panther movie.

Khotso encourages other youngsters to nurture their talent and to go to school as education is the key to success.

Anyone who could donate hyper realism pencils to him or mentor him further in his art can contact City Times journalist Penelope Masilela on 011 425 0164 or email penelopem@caxton.co.za, or visit Khotso’s Facebook page (Kgotso Sekeka Art).

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