This is so because his beautiful artifacts have started getting recognition from different institutions across the country.
In an interview with Arts&Culture, Mampane pointed out that his art business has grown up tremendously over the years. He added that he has made sculptures from different villages and towns in the country. The areas include Mochudi Education Centre where he made a giraffe and a zebra.
He also did sculptures for a lodge in Hukuntsi and his art has spread as far as Selebi-Phikwe and other areas. Moreover, he explained that whenever he is creating a sculpture, he is always learning something new. “My most memorable art sculpture is a buffalo at Buffalo Horns Gardens in Oodi.
It is a big sculpture. It was my first time doing commissioned work. Art is my source of income. I am able to support my family,” Mampane said. As a strong believer, Mampane says he always knew that God had a plan for him. Mampane is not just a talented sculptor but also a videographer and photographer of note.
However, he explained that he was forced to pause photography to concentrate on sculpting as it was difficult for him to juggle the two. “Art was already in me from my birth, then it grew within me as I grew older. I did Art as a subject during my primary level at Seingwaeng Primary School and junior secondary school.
From there I became a member of the Thapong Visual Arts Centre where I showcased my talent and started getting gigs. I chose art because it is so easy for me and I believe I was born to be an artist. I am thrilled that people love my art and it made me know Botswana much better as I travelled to different places,” he said.
Although his work has gained traction and is loved by many, Mampane says he still gets clients who don’t appreciate the amount of work he puts into the production. “Some of my clients do not pay the agreed amount of money since they do not appreciate the hard work I put in my art.
Some clients do not pay me after I finish the work. Some when you tell them your prices, they think you are crazy and pay you a lesser amount,” he said. He further explained that transporting his sculptures to where they are needed is also a great challenge. He pleaded with the public to be considerate when they want artists to do some art pieces for them because they go through a lot to come up with the desired masterpieces.
