03 Aug 2015

Some may deem it inappropriate to say, but candidly, there is nothing much to elaborate about his academics path, except to convey a journey, which a pencil is the perfect suited medium to express without biasness.

For the latter part of his academic path, which ended at Kagiso senior school, Thatayaone Ramolapong has only drawings to show for the enduring tenure.

Engrossed by the love for drawing at an early age, Ramolapong would take hold of any picture and draw it back.

As he drew each picture, he never took cognisant that he was slowly, but surely portraying his career path.

This passion led him to Thapong Visual Arts Centre, a move that ignited his yearning and instantly he decided to become a member of the centre.

“After school I went there (Thapong Visual Arts Centre), met with other artists and we shared ideas,” said Ramolapong who owns a studio at Thapong.

Now at the age of 24, Ramolapong has turned to his old passion to have it as his own source of income.

“My paintings are mostly about African lifestyle, I am proud of myself and where I come from,” said Ramolapong who belongs to one of the Balete regiments.

His, paintings he attested sell and promote the Tswana lifestyle which he perceives to have fallen second to foreign cultures.

Nonetheless, what pains is the realisation that Africans and Batswana in particular have little appreciation for arts.

These lead to a struggle in the industry as artists have to tussle each other for the limited market which is mostly sustained by tourists.

Luckily for him, the market response entirely depends on the artist’s ability to lure buyers.

“It is all entirely upon you as an artist, you can make money if you market your works,” he stated.

Amidst the market difficulties, the Ramotswa born artist is determined to persuade his passion and he is currently sharping his paintings skills. 

Although he is still marking his mark in the industry, Ramopalong can charge about P550 for a portrait on an A3 paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a newcomer where giants have already made their footprints, the youthful artist is alive to the challenges but would not allow that to dent his spirit.

Although making a living through drawing might not appear appealing to an ordinary person due to the absence of a regular pay cheque, Ramolapong says it only takes love for the work.

In fact, after completing his Cambridge he worked as a petrol attendant but had to allow the career to die prematurely as he persuaded his love for drawing and painting. 

During his day as a petrol attendant, he felt a burning desire to forgo a regular pay cheque to tiptoe into an unknown destiny.

Though he is not yet at the pinnacle of his desired path today, Ramolapong is hopeful for a better future.

All this he attributes to the mentoring from fellow artists at Thapong Visual Arts Centre where he spent much of his time.

“Thapong offers us a lot, I can host my own exhibition shows there,” Ramolapong added. Ends