Talented mall artist keeps patrons amazed
Apart from impressing his clients, Valentine was praised by singer and television presenter Nandi Madida, who requested his contact details on her Instagram account after being flooded with photos of an artwork depicting her that Valentine drew.
On entering Clearwater Mall through Entrance 2, you cannot help but be blown away by the astounding pencil sketches drawn by Valentine Mbusi.
This self-taught and talented fine arts artist has left many of his clients and patrons at the mall in awe with the amazing sketches that he produces and showcases each day in his small corner near the entrance.
The Northsider caught up with Valentine at the mall as he started working on his first drawing for the day on Friday, 11 January at about 10.30am. The artist, who is originally from Mozambique and does artistry for living, shared his artistic journey and his plans for the future.
“Ever since I was young, I always enjoyed art and it became something I decided to follow and do for a living when I came to South Africa in 2000,” said Valentine.
He added that he started taking his talent seriously after five years in the country when he realised that he could make a living out of his creative skills. “I transitioned my passion into a business in 2005, and around that time I started drawing sketches at Killarney Mall and after a very long time there I left and came to Clearwater Mall in 2017 to explore a different market which has been good to me,” he explained.
Valentine’s job entails getting orders from patrons who are attracted by his exceptional displays. He said he receives photos from his clients or finds things he likes on the internet and draws exact replicas of them to the size the clients want.
Apart from impressing his clients, Valentine was praised by singer and television presenter Nandi Madida, who requested his contact details on her Instagram account after being flooded with photos of an artwork depicting her that was executed by Valentine. The portrait is currently on show at the mall in the hope that it will woo more clients.
“So many people [sent] me photos of this beautiful piece of artwork by Valentine Mbusi at Clearwater Mall, if I’m correct. If anyone has his contact details, may you kindly DM me. Thank you in advance,” Nandi posted.
Valentine explained his inspiration for portraying Zakes Bantwini’s wife. “I stumbled upon Nandi’s picture on the internet, and after seeing how clear and beautiful the portrait was, I decided I would do my magic with it,” he said. He also hopes to receive a call from the Skhanda Love song featured songstress.
As much as he enjoys the reception he gets at the mall, Valentine wants to open his own art gallery and also educate aspiring artists and underprivileged children about art in the future. “I would love to own an art gallery and also start a school where I would teach passionate children and those living on the streets who are interested in art a skill that they can use to alleviate poverty for themselves and their families,” he envisaged.
You can find Valentine at the mall every weekday other than Mondays.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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