The young talented artist from Tutume village has a keen eye for conservation and has carved out a unique niche in the world of textile design. Armed with Associate Degree in Textile Design, he told Arts&Culture that he specialises in re-purposing old denim jeans into stunning works of art. Elisa’s expertise lies in transforming discarded denim into remarkable art pieces. He makes beautiful art pieces from intricate tapestries to bold sculptures. He emphasised that his creations breathe new life into forgotten fabrics. Through meticulous craftsmanship and innovative techniques, he said he weaved together stories of heritage, sustainability and style. “My inspiration for recycling denim jeans and turning them into art pieces stems from my fashion design background and experience during the COVID-19 lockdowns. During that time, I sought a creative outlet that would allow me to repurpose materials meaningfully. This led me to experiment with denim, a fabric with personal significance and versatile potential,” he said. “What sets my work apart is the fusion of traditional textile techniques with a contemporary artistic approach. My art is distinctive in Botswana, as I haven’t seen other artists working with fabric in this way. Each piece reflects a unique blend of inspiration style and material, transforming everyday items into visually compelling art that tells a story of sustainability and innovation,” he explained.
Furthermore, he said growing up in Selebi-Phikwe, where mining careers were highly valued, he initially studied welding and fabrication. However, he pointed out that his true passion has always been art. He added that even at school, art was the subject he was most drawn to, so he ultimately chose to follow his heart and pursue an art career. He also said the public has responded positively to his artwork. He added that many people appreciate the unique approach of recycling denim into art and were intrigued by the blend of sustainability and creativity. He explained that their feedback often highlighted how his work stands out and resonates with themes of transformation and innovation. Speaking of one of his most memorable pieces, he said it was the portrayal of a San man and a Herero woman sharing food. He explained that the artwork symbolises the unity within Botswana’s diverse cultures, celebrating collaboration, shared experiences and the strength found in cultural harmony. He added that it vividly conveyed the beauty of their shared humanity and bonds that transcend borders.
