Tom lives his dream
Maureen Odubeng | Friday March 11, 2016 15:57
“That’s where I developed a love for art. I always got position one in art competitions,” he said.
Tom explained that he continued doing art through to senior secondary school where he says he got a B grade, which he said was unexpected.
“I was disappointed because I expected a better grade, but that did not dishearten me and I continued doing what I believe I was born to do,” Tom explained
The young man who currently resides in Selebi-Phikwe, told Arts and Culture that he does not limit himself to one form of art.
“I do both abstract and realistic drawings and paintings.
Abstract allows me to fly on the wings of my creativity; while realistic art gives me the peace and liberty that life denied me. I am a jack-of-all-trades kind of artist.
I use pencils, oils and acrylic paints to create artworks,” the passionate artist explained. Tome further explained that while he does both abstract and realism, he loves working on realistic artworks because they challenge him to get out of his comfort zone.
Tom told Arts & Culture that artists should be mindful that “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
“At school my teachers always told me that I’m a hard worker. That helped me to discover other techniques which we were not taught at school,” Tom added.
The young man said he is inspired by fellow artists, Ronald Kegomoditswe and Wilson Ngoni.
Tom’s work proves that the young man indeed has a lot of talent and that he puts a lot of thought into his work. He pays attention to detail, and captures different situations, emotions, and environments so perfectly that someone can mistake some of his paintings and drawings for photographs. One the most interesting pieces is that of a young woman with water pouring down her face. The artwork at first glance looks like a black and white photograph.
The young artist, who said he iwa determined to be one of the best globally, certainly does not leave anything to chance.
He applies his artistic talent to decorate sneakers, more especially those which appeal to the younger generation popularly referred to as machesa.
“The paint I use is permanent, and it does not come off even when you wash your shoes,” he explained. Tom and other young artists in Selebi-Phikwe will host an exhibition on April 23 at Area 2 Hall. The exhibition themed, ‘The Life Of An Artist’ will feature Tom, Ronald Kegomoditswe, Charlotte George and other young artists.
“We want to balance things and show people that Selebi-Phikwe also has good artists. We also want to promote art in Selebi-Phikwe,” he said.
Tom added that they hope the exhibition will inspire other young people interested in art to follow their dreams.