Tawanda Mhako: A bud yet to bloom
A 14-YEAR-OLD Chinhoyi visual artist is destined to scale greater heights in the arts industry.
Tawanda Mhako, a Form Two student at Kutama College, is just a small bud of a rose yet to bloom.
Tawanda is son to ZBC’s Regis Mhako of Mashonaland West Province.
The young artist told H-Metro that his passion for visual art started when he was 12 years old.
He started by drawing comics and later found that he was talented and never looked back.
Mhako said that he used to draw comics such as Spiderman, Ben 10, Dragon Bulls and others.
When his parents bought him drawing materials, he then turned to realism.
“Realism is when you draw things that do not show what the thing is, but you can see how it is and you can recognise it for what it is.
“Then I ventured into photo realism, in which you can see everything, but without much details like pores and pimples.
“I was using graphite when I started drawing as I did not have enough materials. I am now using charcoal pencils in my drawings,” he said.
Mhako said that he got support from Raphael Jamu in the early stages.
“I drew President Mnangagwa’s potrait when I was doing my primary school education at Sinioa Primary. I won the zonal, district and later provincial art competitions,” said Mhako.
He added:
“I am in an art group called Law which has got all renowned artists in the country. There are a lot of art works that can inspire you to aspire.
“Yes, it’s not easy to draw to get the best results you need, but one must have patience and persistence.”
He said that he got a lot of support from his parents, which has made it easier for him.
He has drawn renowned international art sculptor, Dominic Benhura and some international actors.
Dominic Benhura told H-Metro that Mhako has a bright future ahead of him.
“He has got a bright future ahead and I am sure that with the right guidance, he can be one of the best visual artists in the country,” said Benhura.
Another artist, Tonderai Mujuru of Muju Art, said that Mhako was truly a small bud of a rose yet to bloom.
He said , he has so much potential, very energetic and passionate about art.
Mujuru said Mhako is eager to know more about the visual art world.
“He has so much zest to know and try other mediums or forms of art and is not afraid to try the depths. As an artist too, I strongly believe with the right support from family members and friends, one day he will be a famous international visual artist,”
“He is so young, respectful and humble in his approach when asking for advice. He is a talented young brother. I have discovered that he is not only talented in art, but has good communication skills, which is a plus in art as a business,” said Mujuru.
He encouraged him to keep on practicing art on a daily basis and to never look back and surround himself with people who love art.
“He should follow international visual artists for better inspiration and motivation.
I believe in sharing gifts, and my gift awaits him the next time he pays Harare a visit. I have a set of art materials I hope will make a difference in his career as an artist”
“Lastly, I encourage him to always say a prayer first whenever he wants to draw anything, for God is The Supreme Master in Art,” he said.