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Being a self-taught artist has its bumpy road but in the end, can be rewarding. Not having the structure or guidance provided by a top art school you will have the freedom to learn how you please.
LUSIKISKI-BORN self-taught artist Nelisiwe Nojila has always been an art lover and has always been her part of life and who she was. She recalls that when growing up she has always dreamed of becoming a world-known artist, not just only but a fashion designer as well. “After completing my matric I wanted to study art or fashion design, but things did to go as I planned. I paint, draw, craft design and there’s nothing that I can’t do with my hands, and I believe I was given this gift for a reason,” she explains.
Nelisiwe started drawing when she was in grade 3, and as she grew older, she fell in love with anything that has to do with art. “Looking at a piece of art makes me wonder how it came to be I then attempt my artistic adventures because it’s all about learning,” she says. She adds that she is more passionate about African art because it illustrates the beauty of African people, culture, and tradition.
Her paintings tell Authentic African stories as she feels like the majority are somehow forgetting their roots and turning to adopt the Western Culture. Creating an art piece helps her to cope with the pressure of everyday life.
As an introvert, my biggest challenge is to get myself out here and self-doubt is I always wonder if my artwork is good enough or will be accepted as I am a self-taught and not a professional one.
Nelisiwe creates art to express what she has already learned, beauty, emotions, and feelings. Art gives her the ability to express herself, through that expression she communicates by painting her thoughts and experiences.
Art can be used to influence political views as some other artists express political messages through their artwork and it can also be used to raise awareness about under-presented political issues.
Artworks are critical instruments for ecological activism and also impact society by changing people’s minds. – she concludes.
