Metal sculptor dreams big

Lovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
Determination, hard work, innovatiion and perseverance define one of the finest metal artistes in the country, Sam Matabwa. Hailing from the satellite area of Ruwa, Matabwa has become a force to reckon with judging from the beautiful pieces of art he assembles. Some of the exquisite pieces he designs include portray owls, chickens, guinea fouls, herons, pangolins and anything that an art lover might request.

Growing up as an art enthusiast in Goromonzi, Matabwa as a small boy would design cars using wire, which made children of his age envy him.

“I grew up as an artiste. I was doing if for fun but later on decided to take it as a profession through assistance from my grandfather Eddie Mwale. I would join him every time for lessons on how to become the best designer in metal art.

“After my grandfather left for South Africa, I decided to implement what he taught me when I finished school and started doing art in 2006. This saw me taking art seriously at the age of 22,” he said.

Matabwa said ever since he ventured into serious business, he never got employed formally.

“I am 32 years old now and in my entire life, I was never been employed by someone, but instead, I eke my living through art. In fact I have become an employer to many people in this area.

“My works are eye catching and through the designs I make, tourists have been my major buyers. Despite the unfavourable marketing, I still believe that hard work pays,” he said.

With the economic hardships, Matabwa has lamented the depreciating market as well as the scarcity of raw materials.

“We use rout metal iron off cuts for our designs, which is now difficult to secure after some of the companies that used to supply us shut down. This has led us to be less innovative because it minimise our skills and potential,” he said.

Matabwa uses iron and metal sheets for his designs and the art starts with twisting the iron metal and cutting the sheets before welding them into a beautiful piece.

Only the sky is the limit to Matabwa who is a father of two daughters.