29 Oct 2015

If anyone knows the essence of the phrase ‘hitting the ground running,’ it is Laone Tau of Ramotswa. The 18-year-old lad only completed his Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) last year,  but he is already taking the art industry by storm.

With a passion for drawing and painting, the young man was introduced to art at junior school, and he fell in love with the trade.

Thanks to his junior school teacher who fueled his passion for art with the challenges he threw at him, he unearthed his talent.

His first professional work was in 2011 when he painted his neighbour’s tuck-shop. The piece showed him that he could make a career out of art as it made him realise he had potential. The youngster’s art pieces are often inspired by the message he intends to convey. 

As such, every piece is dependent on the message he is trying to send out to his audience.

Laone recently registered with Thapong Visual Art Centre, a move that will help him promote and market his work, especially that he is looking for a mentor in the industry. 

Laone believes that having a mentor will help nurture his talent and help him grasp a better understanding of the industry.

Although he does not have any work displayed at Thapong Visual Art Centre yet, he has had his artwork displayed at the main kgotla in Ramotswa during culture day.

He has a Facebook page he manages with a group of friends who share the same passion.

They use the page to promote their works by uploading pictures of finished projects. Displayed in his room are his art works including a portrait of President Lt Gen. 

Seretse Khama Ian Khama, which he painted when he was doing Form Three and a three-legged pot made with paper mash.

The talented youngster works with a number of materials, but financing for such material is reliant on the amount of artwork he sells.

Although his parents are against the idea of him not attending school as his age are at tertiary institutions, Laone said they were supportive of his passion and help him financially.

Laone plans to re-sit for Form Five examinations, which he said he could do while pursuing his passion.

Prices of Laone’s artworks are based on the material used, size of the portrait and type of frame.

Pencil sketches are cheaper as compared to coloured pencil drawings. He is currently working toward giving the 2016 entrants of the President’s Day Competitions a run for their money. Ends