This is exactly the case for fine artist Thabiso Ernest, who is currently trying to regain his voice with a new art collection. The 29-year-old Thamaga native says that with this new collection, he is working on his next solo exhibition. In an interview with Arts&Culture, he explained that as an explorer, he decided to start something new. He says the idea required new media, which is not available in Botswana and the financial strain did not help. He said he found himself having creative block and then resorted to duplicating himself as there was no gestation of ideas. “This one idea keeps cannibalising new ideas in my mind. I believe this new idea and media will grow my work exponentially. I am an experimental artist. "I explore different media and techniques. I range from pencil drawing to acrylic painting, sculpture, mixed media and leather painting. Being born with a talent is an inspiration in itself. One has to work hard to grow that skill and passion. I did basics at junior and senior secondary school, but everything I am currently doing is self-taught,” he said. Furthermore, he explained that in 2019, he lost his 17-year-old cousin, adding that losing someone young brought a new perspective to his life.
He added that death comes for people at any time. That is when he decided to fully choose art as a career and give it everything. He also said during the funeral he had a glorious idea to use hides of goats and sheep killed there. He said the same leather idea led him to win Thapong Young Artist of the Year award in 2020. However, he said having passion is both a blessing and a curse. He also said it provides individuals with happiness and identity. Ernest added that it gave individuals confidence and charm for one’s personality. On the opposite side, he said it would most probably birth depression and despair.
