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Hazel Marimbiza . .
A HUSTLER is a creative individual determined to prosper and one Bulawayo man Mehluli Mzizi fits that description.
Mzizi (30) from Magwegwe North suburb has risen to prominence as a popular ‘fire painter’ for his work of fire painting, a technique that incorporates drawing and painting images on paper using fire. Growing up in the rural areas with little resources Mzizi did not allow that obstacle to deter his passion for visual arts.
“I did not learn art at school but I used to draw frequently with a pencil when I was young. I practised art on my own until an opportunity availed itself when I went to Mzilikazi Arts and Craft Centre to study for a year through an International Labour Organisation’s skills development programme. I appreciate the time I was at Mzilikazi because the knowledge I acquired honed my fine art skills.
“After graduating I started doing pencil portraits but I never got as far as I wanted because soon I started realising that there were a lot of bigger and well established artistes doing pencil work and the traditional painting techniques.”
Mzizi told B-Metro how he came up with the fire painting idea.
“While at home one day there was no electricity so I Iit a candle and I also had a mosquito coil burning. Glaring at the two I immediately felt I could come up with something. So I started drawing on paper using the smoke from the mosquito repellent.
“It didn’t work out at first because so many times the piece of paper caught fire but after numerous attempts I perfected my technique. Sometimes I just burn fire wood and start painting,” said Mzizi.
The talented man has painted images such as humans, landscapes and wildfires which he has managed to showcase at different art expos.
Online Reporter