28 Aug 2015

Unlike most of his peers, Frank dared to be different. While most boys his age were engaged in sporting activities, he spent much of his early childhood immersed in admiration for art. He started drawing at the age of six.

“I’ve always been fascinated by things with colour,” says the artist.

In a no-holds-barred interview, the 24-year-old Tlokweng native popularly known as Frank de Painter unravels his journey as an artist.

“By the time I was 13-years-old, my drawings were grabbing a lot of people’s attention,” he says.

His occasional visits to Thapong Visual Art Centre and attending exhibitions exposed him to a world of artistic possibilities.

 “You can’t wake up today and say you want to be an artist if you are not willing to evolve. Art is patience and persistence. Learn to work on yourself and build your stuff,” he says.

As to why he frequented the arts centre and the exhibitions, he says: “Everyone starts small. Learn to surround yourself with other artists.”

Frank de Painter describes his art as storytelling/figurative. His work is a mixture of abstract, pop and fine art. The subjects of his paintings are mostly people who inspire him such as the late Bob Marley. He says that he is mostly captivated and inspired by people who are not afraid to express themselves like the late Nelson Mandela.

Frank is a proud member of Thapong Visual Arts Centre. He credits his mentors Cedrick Umoja, Uhuru Kgope and Steve Jobson, who have motivated and advised him throughout his journey as an artist.

He also lauds the arts centre for giving him the opportunity to showcase his work and interact with other artists. He says that the majority of his clients are tourists who met his work through shows and exhibitions hosted by Thapong. Through these interactions and exhibitions, Frank has been able to improve and market his art. 

“It is important as an artist that you treat yourself as a brand. Network, make connections, learn art and take yourself seriously,” he says.

Frank has previously worked with Alliance de Francaise, where some of his artworks can be found, Storms Roadshows and Thapong. He is currently freelancing for Tebogo Ramotswetla (creator of Mabijo) as a mural artist.

“As an artist, you must market yourself and not solely depend on the government. Spread your wings. Art soothes the heart and mind, it is a healing meditation. Batswana should learn to visit art galleries, shows and exhibitions. They should not just admire art, but also buy it,” he says.

He encourages Batswana to be eager to learn about art. He is currently working on an art project entitled Purple Print, which depicts the story of his life through an exhibition of portraits. The work provides intimate glimpses of people close to him such as his late mother, Masego. Ends