The 41-year-old self-taught sculptor, painter and exterior designer recently caught attention with his big-sized shoe cement sculpture. The Arts&Culture team visited Nyatshane at his homestead in Tlokweng this week, where they found a man living a simple life among his sculptures. Stepping into his yard, one is immediately struck by a palpable sign of talent, with the place turned into a garden. Nyatshane, who served time in prison from 2014 to 2022, says he found his purpose in life through art. “I have struggled in life. I have endured many challenges, but God located me. I believe my time in prison was punishment and a way of showing me the right path. But I believe that God has answered, and I believe that art will open doors for me,” Nyatshane said.
Nyatshane mostly does what he calls ground art, which involves landscaping, painting, accessories, sculpting and exterior design. Having first encountered and realised his love for art during junior secondary and senior school-going days, Nyatshane says he found it necessary to pick up where he left off when he was incarcerated. Nyatshane says he did many sculptures during his time in prison, which were displayed at intersections and places such as Parliament for the BOT50 celebrations in 2016. He says his shoe sculpture, which has been trending on Facebook, has earned him many admirers and clients. The sculpture measures 2m x 1m x 80cm and is suitable for public art. Explaining the shoe sculptor, Nyatshane says he titled it ‘Destiny’, which reflects his life journey marred by turbulence. He states that he started working on the sculpture in 2010, but was interrupted when he was sent to prison in 2014 and only got to finish it this year. The shoe is not just a sculpture but can serve many purposes, he says. “It can be a water reservoir as it can accommodate up to 500litres of water. It can also serve as a fish pond and exterior furniture or be used for studio purposes,” he explains.
