Making a living from artistic talent
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Sunday March 20, 2022 06:00
Girry, who is currently a third year student at the Botswana Accountancy College (BAC) pursuing a degree in Computer System Engineering, developed the love for art at a very young age. He told Arts and Culture that he started his artistic journey at the age of six by drawing stick persons or funny animal characters.
His drawing skills began to get sharper and sharper at primary level and he advanced his creativity through his secondary school days. Girry stated that it was through his high school days that he learnt that fine arts provide pleasure and creative inspiration. The talented artist said he also learnt that it assists in fostering dialogue in creation of awareness to the public eye, which inspired his thirst in arts.
According to the young man, it was after he completed his Form 5 studies that he realised he can put food on the table through his drawings. Raised by a single mother, Girry said life was not easy back then and even his allowance could not sustain his living hence he pushed to venture into profitable commercial arts. He stated that even though some fine art is two-dimensional, he focuses more on the basics of drawing using pencil and pen through commercial arts. He elaborated that commercial arts of drawing individual portraits brings fast cash.
Girry said: “It is easier to make fast cash by drawing individual portraits. With having to pay rent, food and demanding projects, I had to find a way to balance between my studies and commercial drawings to make money.” The fine artist indicated that with his part time drawings, he is able to generate enough income, which can cover basic needs at his rented room in Somerset and in Natale.
He added that he is also able to pay for necessities such as electricity, water bills and food, something that his mother is proud of, as he is the youngest of the five children in the family. Girry revealed that he is in the process of venturing into painting, as he has been receiving orders in mediums such as watercolor, oil and acrylics. He added: “The problem with painting is that takes a lot of time and currently school workload is too much. When I finish my studies I will probably start making paintings and even start print making, which involves the use of an etching, engraving and screen-printing.” He explained that some of his drawings focus on capturing memories and passing messages on current affairs.