Sophy is the master of artistic strokes
Sophy Chauke is a talented artist who describes painting as a talent he was born with and he uses the masterpieces he creates to generate an income.
POLOKWANE – He says besides from his talent being the source of his current income, painting is also his passion and his hobby.
“It is something that I can do no matter where I go.
It is something that not only makes me happy, it also helps me to deal with a difficult day,” he explains.
Painting is an emotional outlet for him, for instance, when he is angry he likes to paint abstract images as it helps him to address his anger.
This outlet to his anger also allows him to create paintings which have proven to be quite popular.
His mediums are oil and acrylic paint because he likes the thickness and the different dimensions and textures that it creates.
His most favourite paintings are landscapes as he explains his love for, them as he views it as ‘free painting’.
“No one can tell me a rock or a tree or grass does not look like that, it is my painting and this is how I see the world. It gives me the opportunity to express myself,” he says.
He adds that painting a portrait is one of the most difficult requests for him, stating that, it takes a lot of freedom out of a painting as things have to be a certain way.
Sophy believes local government can do more for artists like him and this includes looking at a permanent market where artists can advertise their creations and where people can come and see the work they do any day.
His advice to young artists is to remember that being an artist is not an easy decision, so it has to be something you are truly passionate about.
“Painting is such an integral part of me and who I am I don’t think I will ever stop painting. If something as such is ingrained in you and is a part of you, you have to live it,” he says.
