The Sunday News
MANY of us have probably seen him walking the streets of Bulawayo, with a large China bag (Tshangan’ bag) hanging around his arm and an artefact in the other.
Only stopping to catch his breath, maybe grab a bite of whatever he will be eating and for the occasional person who shows interest in his work of art, 66-year-old Ernest Nyampingidza (EN) says the City of Kings appreciates art far much better than any other city or town in the country.
To him art is a craft that has moulded him to be the man he is and has also enabled him to travel the country and meet new people.
He spoke to Sunday Life senior reporter Peter Matika (PM) in an interview before Christmas Day, where he said he was trying to raise money for the festive season.
PM: Your artefacts are magnificent. When and how did you become a sculptor?
EN: My journey began in 1974 at Anderson Craft in Mbare, Harare. That is where I learnt my trade and I have never looked back since then.
PM: What type of sculptures do you create?
EN: I mostly or rather mainly sculpt animals. That is what I was basically taught in school and it got imprinted in my blood.
PM: So since you completed your course in sculpting what happened from there?
EN: Well, I have been around the country and have sculpted many artifacts. This is a field that has brought sustenance not only to me but for my family as well.
PM: Does your family appreciate art as well and out of interest how many artefacts do you have in your house?
EN: Yes, my family does appreciate art. They love my work and are very supportive. They love watching me work and love my creations.
The little ones, my grandkids to be precise, are always eager to see what I make out of stone.
PM: That’s quite fascinating; I have occasionally seen you in Bulawayo carrying some of your artefacts. Would you care to share your story with the rest of the world?
I mean it was only until I decided to buy some of your art that I got to know who you are.
EN: I live in Harare and travel throughout the country to sell my art. I’m always in Bulawayo because the city appreciates art better than any other city or town in the country.
I am in Bulawayo every month and I spend maybe about a week or less depending on how fast my sculptures move.
On a bad occasion I sometimes spend about two weeks in the city. But out of the whole country it is one city that I feel has an appreciation of art.
PM: Interesting indeed. How long does it take you to sculpt your work and how do you know what people will appreciate?
EN: I have some work that is readily available and I make some of the sculptures whenever I am not on the streets selling like this.
As for what people appreciate and don’t, well, it is entirely up to the person’s fascination, but one thing that is for sure is that people love animals and will always be fascinated by them and in particular the Big Five.
PM: Besides these tiny sculptures and cultural artefacts what else do you make?
EN: As an artist I always strive to express myself through art and if you appreciate art the way you do you will be fascinated by my other creations, which range from animals, cultural pieces and human artefacts.
PM: Apart from Bulawayo which other city or town do you think has an appreciation for art?
EN: Well, apart from Bulawayo, which is an artistic city whether by design, history or whatever I will only name Chiredzi and Masvingo as other areas that appreciate art.
PM: Have you ever sculptured something that is of life size?
EN: In actual fact I have. If you have ever been to Kombani Lodge in Plumtree, my hands are the ones that crafted the Big Five found there and all those other life size artefacts there.
PM: You are quite the crafty man. How then do people reach you in case one wants a life size sculpture?
EN: I believe everything happens for a reason and the same way you found me is the same way they will find me.
My art is a blast and takes me places.
@peterkmatika
