Self-inspired visual artist making waves
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Friday March 1, 2024 12:47
His journey into the world of visual arts has been an adventure of self-discovery and growth leading to the creation of beautiful artworks that have earned him acclaim and a living.
The talented artist hopes to inspire others with similar talent to find their creative voice and express themselves through art. Jahworks believes that everyone is talented in their own way and that everyone should utilise their talents. “My art is self-inspired. I believe in my God-given talent and want to share it with the world,” he said.
The visual artist claims that his fascination with art dates back to his early years. His parents encouraged him to follow his passion for drawing and doodling because he was always doing it. He says when he started doodling and drawing, he would often get a beating from his mother as he drew and painted on the walls, cars, and even tables.
Furthermore, he said it was through such easy projects and the lessons he learned in school that he developed his talent and discovered his special style. He gives his teachers credit for encouraging him to pursue art as a career and for helping him find his love for it. Jahworks obtained his Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) before completing an accredited programme in travel, tourism, and hospitality at Career Dreams Centre. He also mentioned that a significant influence on his art has always come from the people and the culture of Maun. Further, he said inspiration for his work came from the Okavango Delta’s scenery, the people’s warmth, and the colours and patterns of traditional textiles. Jahworks continued: “I try to capture the spirit of this place and share it with the world through my art.”
He talked about his masterwork, which he created sometime last year using acrylic on canvas. The artwork titled, ‘The Melanin in G-strings’, features a woman and suggests that she is similar to a guitar, which is a difficult instrument to learn and play but depends on the player’s technique. “You treat a woman right, she will be right to you. You play her rough, she will be rough, just like a guitar,” Jahworks clarified. The powerfully expressive artwork about women is still available for P18,000. The gifted artist, who relies solely on his skill for financial support, said he has lost track of the number of artworks he has produced because some have been sold for a long time. He stated that some of his murals can be seen in Maun streets and others can be seen all the way to the villages of Dukwi and Gumare.
He added that it was past time for people to value art, noting that one of his persistent issues is that people fail to recognise the significance of art in their lives. According to Jahworks, the artists are less appreciated and do not receive the respect and attention they deserve, despite being highly valued in developed nations. “When people need quotations, they consistently underestimate the value of my services. Despite all the creativity, professionalism, and talent produced, they only want to pay less,” he continued. The incredible artist went on to say that the government ought to invest in the visual arts sector.
He indicated that workshops should be held to educate people about the importance of art, its worth, and the rights of visual artists. Additionally, he said the growth of the same creative industry will be greatly aided by the empowerment of artists and the education of the populace. He conveyed his appreciation to the Duck Café Shop, which is opposite Maun International Airport, for providing local artists with a platform to exhibit and display their artworks for both domestic and foreign tourists. The visual artist is available for additional services via his Facebook page, Biggskull Creations (Jahworks), RobMor (Jahworks), Instagram account, Instagram.com/Jahworks2021.