It may have started as a hobby but now Bafana Chiliza dreams of being the best visual artist in the world. He started fine arts as a hobby ten years ago, drawing what he saw in his surroundings. However, it was only last year, when a close friend wanted to exhibit his work at a store, that he realised he actually had talent. Not feeling ready, Bafana declined his friend’s offer and worked earnestly to improve himself.
“My neighbours kept complimenting my work and that is where I got the confidence to start showcasing my work to those close to me. Now I am trying to build more self-confidence, by marketing myself and my work in the community,” he said.
Bafana has a love and a passion for his art and is determined to succeed even though he admits that his path may be limited by lack of education and resources.
“I want to show that visual or fine arts is not something just done for rich people. I want to show them art is something for everyone to love and appreciate, despite your background. This is what I love to do and I think about putting my pencil on to paper all the time,” he said.
Bafana is self-taught and has been relying on sites such as Google and Youtube to research techniques to improve himself. His goal is not only to be the best at what he does – he sees it as a platform to success instead of getting into crime. He also wants to make his contribution to uplift his community and the youth.
“This is a better alternative than going down the wrong path. I have this talent and I want to use it. Whenever I get a chance, I speak to those younger than me and encourage them to work hard and make a name for themselves. I would love to teach those in the community who are interested, but as I have not studied visual arts formally, I don’t have much confidence about teaching,” he said.
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