“I discovered my passion for painting at a very young age, drawing with pencils and creating sketches that brought me immense joy,” he said. “My mother played a crucial role in nurturing this talent, and her influence is deeply embedded in everything I create,” he said. His foundational education includes a National Craft Certificate (NCC) in Painting and Decorating, obtained between 2011 and 2014 from the Selebi-Phikwe Technical College. He later earned a Diploma in Construction Engineering under Architectural Design from the Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education. Despite his academic training in technical design, Lister remained committed to art, eventually turning professional in 2020. While he initially focused on pencil portraiture, Lister has since moved into abstract painting and canvas printing, a niche he has grown comfortable in. “I usually paint to reach an infinite level of joy,” he explained.
“My work begins with an emotion or idea and evolves into something that speaks deeply to human experience,” he added. Themes of loss and connection are recurring in his work. He views each piece as a medium for storytelling and emotional communication. “Each brushstroke is intentional, and I take my time to ensure that every detail reflects what I’m trying to convey,” he said. “My goal is for each painting to speak to the viewer’s own memories and emotions,” he stated further. Lister’s achievements are beginning to reflect the impact of his work. In December 2023, he held his first-ever solo exhibition at Duck Café Res in Maun. A standout piece from that exhibition was a deeply personal abstract work symbolising the bond with his late mother. “Creating that piece was an emotional journey, and seeing it resonate with so many people was incredibly fulfilling,” he noted.
