20 Oct 2015

Art has been hailed as a mechanism that one can utilise not only to communicate, but also as a means of earning a living. What started as passion, finally brings food on the table for Kgomotso Ramosomo of Mogoditshane.

Ramosomo is one of the few who bear testimony to the fact that following what one is passionate about is vital as it can create employment. He currently operates an art business in Mogoditshane.

“I started developing passion for art at primary school.

Although I did not manage to proceed to tertiary level, I continued with art, hence I ended up opening my business in 2014,” explained Ramosomo.

The 24-year-old says that he mainly relies on orders from clients. 

Before he can start applying his artistic skills, he carefully studies the specifications of his orders to ensure that he produces valuable and plausible art works.

“Although I cannot say that I am making enough profit at the end of the month, at least my business keeps me going as I am able to pay my own rent, buy food and cover other costs, something which I am grateful for,” he said.

The soft spoken lad does not only rely on art as he has coupled his art business with selling sweets and offering hair cut services to help his business blossom.

In addition, he noted that he strongly believes in the essence of word of mouth to advertise his business, that is why he does not charge high prices with the hope of attracting many clients, whom he expects to spread the good word about his business in return.

The major stumbling block in Ramosomo’s business is lack of funds to aid him to buy more materials so that he can be able to give his level best.

“Due to shortage of money I am not able to display as many products as I would have wished.

My intention is to be busy and display as many artworks as I can, but shortage of money is a hindering factor,” he added.

He further disclosed that he once approached the Youth Development Fund (YDF) officials for a possible funding, but he was not successful as they told him that they wanted educational certificates to prove that he once studied art. Since he only reached senior secondary school level, he was rejected.

“I was not successful at YDF as I did not study fine arts. I believe that instead of requiring certificates, they should take a closer look at one’s artworks.

This would help to get rid of the perception that the YDF programme is for the educated ones and not the talented,” he said. He, however, revealed that he wishes to pursue a course in fine arts in the future to further develop his artistic skills, funds permitting.

Ramosomo believes that tertiary institutions should also focus more on practical art and not theory.

“If you can look carefully, the reason why we have few artists in the country is that from primary to senior secondary level we do more practical work, but at tertiary they focus more on technology art.

He says art is also part of culture and it can sell the country abroad, hence he strongly advocates for the establishment of a place where art products can be displayed all the time to help sell Botswana abroad.

Ramosomo’s vision is to see himself as a force to reckon with in the coming years in terms of art, not only locally, but globally as well. Ends