Artist brings drawings to life
Michael, a talented artist based at the Durban beachfront, is a hit with tourists.
ALTHOUGH he is among the many buskers at the Durban Promenade, Michael, a talented artist, is a hit with tourists because of his amazing ability to draw detailed portraits in just under 20 minutes.
“I have been doing this for more than 30 years. We are getting old as artists, but we have to continue. Eventually, I would like to pass it on to the younger generation. What I am doing here is more like busking. I have done a lot in Cape Town, I was there during the December holiday,” said Michael, whose eyes were fixated on his recent drawing of Bruce Lee, actor and martial artist from whom he draws courage.
While the city of Durban has a buskers programme, it is the V&A Waterfront’s busker programme which has resulted in record deals and international acclaim for its participants. With nearly 300 performances – street performers, circus acts, musicians, artists, clowns, mimes and entertainers – on six stages at the V&A Waterfront, it is Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hub. All performances are free – audiences pay what they like by putting money into the performers’ hats, a tradition called ‘hatting’.
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“My father was the biggest influence in my life as he encouraged me to draw. It all started when I drew a picture of him when he was asleep. It then moved to me drawing pictures of his friends. The journey has been good as I have met great artists like Boy Molefe. I like street art as it’s very interesting and I believe a young artist with the right talent and attitude can go a long way. I have drawn pictures of a lot of couples, especially the ones from outside Durban,” he said.
Michael can be found behind the beachfront amusement park. Alternatively, contact him on 081 700 0960 or his sister, Flo, on 031 468 8784.
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