13 Apr 2016

Usually when an individual does not perform well academically, it often appears as if that is the end of the journey for that person. However, this is not the case in Mr Khumoyame Maseka’s life. He decided to keep on trying until something big happened. The 27-year-old man from Sehithwa believes in the notion; that “when life gives you lemons make lemonade.”

Mr Maseka makes sculptures, paper mash deco and all sorts of paintings like portraits, rock plastering, fencing as well as rock paintings. From humble beginnings, the artist’s journey started way back in Sehithwa Primary School.

“In primary school I was always eager to attend art lessons. I was always curious and asked a lot of questions where I did not understand. My love for art was born from here henceforth,” said Mr Maseka.

After attending Ngami JSS in 2009, he did not perform well in his Junior Certificate (JC) but he did not sit at home and dwell on the impossibilities. Rather, he dusted himself up and looked forward to the journey ahead. He was looking for a sign, any sign that can steer him to his destined path.

To pass time, from 2008-2013, he was employed at the Lake Inn in Sehithwa as a cashier. In early 2014, Bosele Conservation Trust held a competition. They wanted individuals to upgrade their logo.Mr Maseka grabbed that opportunity.

“The judges were impressed with my logo. I used all the skills and techniques I acquired from art lessons. I also used my instincts. I scooped position one,” he reminisces. Mr Maseka also received other accolades like certificate for World Tourism Day Schools Competition and the 2004 international poster contest.

The same year, Mr Maseka decided to broaden his horizons and took sculpturing. Little did he know that he has such immense talent in that field. He also experimented with paper mash deco until he finally got it right.

The acute businessman has a knack for business and he advertised his work in government and private departments as well as putting up posters in Sehithwa and Maun.  At times he markets some of his products in the new mall in Maun and tourists are always eager to buy some. Gradually, customers began knocking at Mr Maseka’s door he welcomed his first order with open arms.

Sehithwa Primary School asked him to decorate their amusement park for recreation.Mr Maseka came up with various themes and story ideas. So, he settled on the idea of creating a crocodile sculpture surrounded by a water pond or fountain. He also made a paper mash elephant.

“The school praised my work. They even said I exceeded their expectations. Even parents were raving about my creation,” said Mr Maseka. From that day henceforth customers came from all corners of Ngamiland even as far as Francistown and Tonota.

Mr Maseka made a lasting impression in one of the lodges in Sehithwa called Monlek Lodge. He sculpted the big five and also made paper mash vases and flowerpots for his clients.

He lamented that he values customer satisfaction and he takes notes and customer preference before his own. Mr Maseka highlighted his customers have their own distinct individual taste so he tries by all means to abide by them.

Prices differ according to sizes. A sculpture starts from P1 500 material excluded. Prices are also negotiable per customer. He also does exclusive orders for paintings and drawings. Mr Maseka also does other work like rock plastering, newman birds, basketry and fencing.

Mr Maseka noted that an artist has to take their craft seriously and not be easily swayed by negative decision making. For example, someone once asked him to carve a sculpture for P400.

He kindly declined and ended up convincing them that a lot of work and time was invested in making a single product hence he should be paid accordingly. The challenges that he faces in his business are lack of operating space. Another factor is that some customers take long to pay him for his work despite the fact that he finished their orders in time.

Mr Maseka’s dream and aspiration is to see his business grow in leaps and bounds not just in Sehithwa but countrywide. He will also seek for any kind of funding to invest in his business.

Keeping up with new trends in the market has also been helpful in grooming Mr Maseka’s career. He also reads various art books and does research on the internet to enhance and advance his craft. “Knowledge is everthing.An artist has to arm themselves with knowledge to boost their God given talent. With all these armours you can never go wrong,” he said. ENDS