Currently, Tsimana is operating in a crammed space at Plot 13622, Gaborone West Phase 1. Due to lack of capital to jump-start his project, the idea remains shelved for the time being.
Tsimana has therefore, in the meantime, devoted his creative energies to the small business of making flowerpots. Trading by the name X-Bit (adopted from the word “exhibiting) he says he is struggling to try to bring a different approach to the way art is both made and consumed in Botswana.
Tsimana strongly feels that making flowerpots is the cheapest way to realising his dream project.
“I am passionate about business. And designing and making flowerpots is a stepping stone to the business I want to venture into,” he says. In 2004 he completed a three-year diploma course in graphic design at Cape Technicon, in Cape Town, South Africa. It was while in SA that he was introduced to one of the subjects/topics in graphic design, where he learnt to make plastic moulds using three dimensional designs. Then early this year, he was inspired by a Zimbabwean artist who was using cement mixed with sand to make flowerpots.
“The main idea was not to make the pots but just to learn the art,” he explains.
He says he has since perfected the skill and is now already in the business. The response from the public has been overwhelming and convinced him that the proceeds realised will go a long way in jump-starting his gallery business idea.
“People who see my flowerpots are very impressed and like the designs and decorations. This of course gives me a lot of encouragement”.
He says his success in the business can be attributed to the fact that he tries as much as possible to be different from any competitors on the market, particularly his Zimbabwean trainer.
“I make simple designs decorated with ethnic patterns,” he discloses. He also reveals that what attracts people to his products is the fact that most of his works are tailor-made to suit the specific needs and tastes of his customers.
He also hopes to cut a niche for his products in the corporate institutions. Some of his corporate designs include logos of companies painted on the flowerpots for decoration and promotional purposes. Tsimana also says he has observed that most galleries specialise mainly in paintings, craft works and sculptures. He says his is going to be totally different.
“Mine is going to be the home of art, design and culture. There will be traditional means and traditional music. To be precise, there will be four main services provided! The gallery on its own, the graphic design business, restaurant and entertainment,” he explains.
He says his is an effort to promote local art. He also says this envisaged and exciting gallery will enable X-Bit to programme exhibitions for local artists, regardless of the category.
“As long as it is a finished work of art, it will have access to the gallery,” he says.
As a result, he anticipates that there will be numerous opportunities for collaborations and interactions between all artists from all walks of life.
