However, that was not the case with Hannu Sorto, a visual artist who is grateful to his father for allowing him to pursue his talent and supporting his craft. In an interview with Arts&Culture, the 34-year-old who trades by the name Don Maestro Arts, stated that he realised that he had the skill from a tender age. He reiterated that from a young age, it was honed because of the steadfast support from his family who kept cheering him rather than shunning him.
“I discovered my talent for art quite young, before primary school.
This was further nurtured by the unwavering support of my father and it even went as far as to my teachers at school,” he happily said. Despite him realising his talent at a fairly young age, Sorto said it took him quite a long time to break into the art industry. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic period when his big break finally came. Born to a Motswana mother and a Finnish father, Sorto he said he does not regret his decision to venture into art as he is having a smooth sail.
He has worked on commissioned artworks for local and international clients. “Ever since 2021, I have been actively pushing my artwork on social media, selling and working on commissioned artworks for clients locally and overseas. I have also taken part in several exhibitions and entered competitions which I have also won. It has been an overwhelming journey in a short period, which my family and I are proud of,” he said. Furthermore, he attributed his quick success to his approach to the trade which he said is different from other visual artists.
He added that due to the number of good artists around, everyone is implored to find a niche that could bring them success. “My art mostly consists of a unique blend of intricate scribbling and meticulous pointillism or dot work, predominantly executed by pens,” Sorto said.
Additionally, he said his ability to be free-spirited and explore mixed media has also opened doors for him. Sorto also explained that his artworks are inspired by things like the beauty of nature, tackling social issues and African culture and capturing the essence of social figures as well as local and international icons and people. Regarding his future endeavours, Sorto said he plans to host solo art exhibitions, expand his audience and artistic horizons, engage more in collaborative projects and also contribute more to the evolving art scene.
