Self-taught artist Itumeleng Monareng showcases her skills
Over the years, this amazing artist has put in the time to better her art as a reminder that anything is possible if you believe.
The vibrant and talented Itumeleng Monareng grew up in the south of Johannesburg and attended school in the Vaal.
In 2021, she started working as an intern at Marist Brothers Linmeyer, this year marking her third year at the school.
Her journey as an artist started when she was in Grade 10. She emphasised that she always had a love for art.
“There was this specific day when my friend and I were drawing. She drew a picture that looked better than mine and she received good comments about it yet no one commented on my picture, which made me feel like my drawings were not good. This experience became my motivation to do better,” said Itumeleng.
This motivated the young artist to further perfect her craft. She started watching YouTube videos to refine her skills. Itumeleng worked extremely hard and applied a lot of pressure to be the best she could be.
“At some point, I realised that I am getting better at my art. This was not something I expected,” highlighted Itumeleng.
She expressed her gratitude for the negative experience that motivated her to be better.
Despite being discouraged by those around her who tried to encourage her to do something different than art, Itumeleng persisted and continued to sharpen her skills. “Every time I drew something, I would show my dad and he encouraged me to do better,” explained Itumeleng.
Within three years, she became better with the support and honesty of her family.
When Itumeleng began her internship at Marist Brothers Linmeyer, she was offered the opportunity to showcase her talent. A former teacher, Allison Norton said to her, “I need to help you sell your art.”
Allison assisted Itumeleng with a spot at the St David’s Christmas Market where she could sell her art. A week after Allison assisted Itumeleng with everything she needed for the market day, she passed on. Itumeleng expressed her gratitude for the help she received from Allison and how much it meant to her.
“It was sad to lose someone so dear to me but I am happy she left me with something, a memory I will forever cherish.”
Itumeleng’s first big portraits’ were for her colleague. The portrait entailed a lot of details and the young artist slightly doubted herself. However, with the little belief that she had in herself, she managed to complete the portraits.
This is when her art began to expand. Itumeleng received an order from Switzerland. This gave the artist hope for a future in the art industry.
She expressed that some days are challenging and she takes a break from creating art at least three times a year.
Itumeleng has also experimented with instant coffee, creating a portrait of Nelson Mandela. Marist Brothers Linmeyer supported the artist by purchasing the amazing work of art.
She is inspired by pictures, words and the encouragement received from those around her. Thinking back to when she first started helps Itumeleng to persist with her craft. Her biggest artistic influence is a Nigerian visual artist and painter, Solomon Omogboye.
Her creative process involves starting with a drawing on a piece of paper and transferring it into its desired form.
Itumeleng believes that art is important to society because it is a beautiful way of self-expression. “If people could express themselves through art, society might become a better place,” highlighted Itumeleng.
The young talent dreams of having a space where children with artistic abilities can learn to perfect their skills. She also dreams of owning multiple art galleries, nationally and internationally for artists to showcase their work.
“I understand the struggle of getting your art out there as an artist and I want to create a platform for fellow artists to showcase their talent without enduring the struggle,” said Itumeleng.
