VIDEO: The sky’s the limit for a talented Children of Fire’s burn survivor
AUCKLAND PARK – A young artist is inspired to have his artwork exhibited in galleries in the future.
Children of Fire’s Nkululeko Manci is putting his drawing skills to great use, through his creative artwork.
Children of Fire is an organisation that aids children who are burn victim survivors in need of medical assistance all over Africa.
Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Nkululeko is a burn survivor who went through a medical procedure called tissue expansion. The organisation purchased an expander which was inserted under his scalp and was filled slowly with saline over four months and then removed to restore his hairline.
“I started drawing when I was 10 years old and enjoyed drawing cartoon characters such as Dragon Ball Z and Spiderman. I enjoy making people happy with my drawings,” said Nkululeko.
The 17-year-old’s artwork has since evolved. He said his love for drawing was inspired by historical artists such as Claude Monet, George Gogh and Leonardo De Vinci, who he brings to life in some of his paintings.
The history of art is one of his favourite subjects at school, with art being at the top of his list. A learner at the National School of the Arts, he scored 83 per cent in art and continues to strive for greatness. He creates artworks using oil pastels, pencils and pastel crayons.
“I’m also inspired by the memories from my village in KwaZulu-Natal which had huts, mountains and a dirt road [which] I’ve included in my artwork. I also draw unique objects and people around me.”
He hopes to pursue a career as an artist and exhibit his work in art galleries he has visited such as the Goodman Gallery and Museum Gallery.
At the moment while he’s in school, the budding artist hopes to have an artist as his mentor, to help harness his artwork and technique.
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Details: Children of Fire 011 726 6529, firechildren@icon.co.za
