Dwaleni artist harnesses drawing talent to survive
The talented Sikhumbuzo Nkosi said his wish is to own his own art studio in which he can reach out to and teach young people who are passionate about art.
As a way to deal with unemployment and the challenges that comes with it, this talented artist, Sikhumbuzo Nkosi, decided to use his skills to make ends meet.
The 26-year-old started his business, Sikhumbuzo Vaip Art, during the pandemic while he was trying to find a way to put bread on the table. He started selling unique handmade masks on the streets to the people in his community of Dwaleni.
“I decided to do something about my situation, and my talent was the only way I could survive during lockdown. I started my first painting with my sister’s make-up brush to do my drawing on the face masks. Now I do artistic drawings on T-shirts, customise jeans, caps, sneakers, jean jackets and canvas paintings,” he said.
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In his free time, the artist does painting classes for children and adults who are interested in art. “My wish is to have my own art studio in which I can reach out and teach young people who are passionate about art. This will help a lot of them believe in their talent. I do these classes on weekends. For now, I have realised there are people who enjoy painting.”
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Nkosi said the motivation for his work comes from the love he gets from the community, and when he meets people who look up to him and tell him about his work. “The challenge I face that makes it difficult for me to achieve the goal is the lack of painting materials.”
