Online Reporter
Takudzwa Mahari-Youth Intercative Correspondent
MIKEL CHIDAMBA, who is otherwise known as Mikelah Arts,has a rare Visual art talent of being able to reproduce images using charcoal pencil.
Mikelah Arts, based in Harare’s Kuwadzana Extension suburb, expresses desire to tell Zimbabwean stories by sketching human portrait,wildlife drawing and sign writing as to showcasing his artwork prowess in both local and international galleries.
The artist , who began drawing at the age of 10,has been perfecting his craft for years.
“I started drawing in 2010 when I was in Grade 5 at Kawondera Primary school in Zvimba. I remember my teacher asked the class to draw the coat of Arms, and I volunteered and from that day the feedback I got from all my teachers have inspired me to pursue art and to be who I am today,”he said.
Mikelah Arts, said he wants to be one of the best artists who tell the Zimbabwean story both local and abroad.
“I aspire to be one of the best artists in the world not only in Zimbabwe. To be the likes of McLeish sm, Noel jnr Musekiwa and Passledge Mhokore.
“My goal is to go abroad for arts Exhibitions to tell the true Zimbabwean stories and African indentity through pencil art,” he added.
He added, that he is developing skills to market his artwork through both online platforms and direct to reach wider market.
“I started marketing my art online to help me grow rapidly and reach large audience and clients.
“When I reach a large audience I will be able to open a studio where I can exhibit my art as well to teach those who aspire to be an artist as well,” he explained.
Mikelah’s dedication to his craft is evident in his work. He believes that practice,consistency and hard work are key guidelines to success in the art world.
“Art is a time-consuming task which is why many of us artists are not into drugs because I spent most of my time sketching my art.
“Most of my friends are artists as well so we encourage each other to work towards exhibition projects.”
However, it is said that drawing is something all of us have successfully used with a pen or pencil on paper to plan, show or imagine what we are thinking.
Being good art doesn’t really matter as long as ideas are being shared.
According to Ralph Ammer, drawing is important for all of us to do not so that we can be artists but because drawing is another way of thinking just the way using words is a way to think out loud or on paper.
Drawing is simply a way to think in another form.
Peter Tanyanyiwa