ART and science teacher Godknows Pomerai says art helps to reduce depression and provides a calming distraction which keeps one busy and industrious at the same time.
Pomerai said the images in his portfolio Mother's Love, Safe in Your Hands, The Time Is Now, Let It Play, Rush, Gratitude Is a Must and Just Smile are rated the best out of over a hundred people’s favourites in the over six years he has been doing creative drawings and paintings
The 30-year-old artist started drawing at a very young age and acquired most of his knowledge on oil paint and pen drawing through mentorship from other artists.
His subjects consist of human portraits and illustrations. He uses art to express himself and to address social issues. Pomerai appreciates the efforts of educationists who introduced visual and performance arts as a subject at early stages such as early childhood development.
As a teacher, he realised that the move removes the negative stereotyping of art and artists in general and called upon organisations as well as capable individuals to continue promoting and investing in visual arts. Every drawing by Pomerai has a story and background to it.
Mother's love
The artwork captures the endurance of women, who after arduous days, tenderly care for their children, who bask in the warmth of maternal affection, a testament to the unwavering strength and unbreakable bond between mothers and their young children.
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It portrays the triumph of persistence and endurance over obstacles, reminding us that the Almighty's presence ensures our safety as we face life’s battles and pursue our goals.
Let It Play
This artwork portrays the need for people to let off some steam from time to time. You have to make up time to relax and enjoy yourself so that you do not suffer from burn out and when you go back to your tasks you perform at your best level. The artwork also incorporates traditional dances as a way of trying to preserve our culture.
Gratitude Is a Must
Every morning count your blessings and give thanks. Life can be hard at times but there is always a brighter side to it, so focus on that and be optimistic. Your best is yet to come, press on.
The time is now
This artwork is about climate change. It’s encouraging people to plant trees and care for them. The hands symbolise care and the hourglass is showing that time is running out if we do not take heed and act.
Just smile
This artwork portrays a child wearing a smile despite tears in his eyes. It shows that even in our difficult moments, if we can focus on some positives there will always be something good enough to help us move on.
Rush
The artwork shows a jovial young girl. It is a reminder that as an individual you are responsible for your own happiness. Happiness starts from within. Do what makes you happy and always enjoy it with friends and family.
Commenting on his art teaching activities, Pomerai said: “ I believe every child is an artist. The difference is that some discover the confidence to pursue art earlier in life, some later in life and others never discover this part of themselves. So my role is simply to help flip the coin and reveal the artistic side of an individual.”
He said creativity came from within, so the individual must be motivated and willing to create.
“Most of the time I instil this intrinsic motivation by sharing some of my artworks or achievements as an artist. I also try as early as possible to remove the misconception that art and concept ideas simply flow. Instead it is just as good as any other work, it requires effort and tenacity, the artist said.
“I also encourage my students to have a small sketch pad to document ideas that can pop up any time. Lastly, I encourage art students to practise because painting or drawing is a skill. The more you practise, the better you become.”
Asked on his success stories as an art teacher, Pomerai said he had inspired and mentored some young artists.
“I always find myself smiling when I think about this. There are some principles and a few tricks that took me a long time to understand as an artist. I always make sure I share these as early as possible with my students. Some of these include; the importance of proportions in art, depth and colour temperature,” he said.
This has yielded great results, when I attended the official launch of the exhibition ‘Framed perspectives’ at National Gallery of Zimbabwe last month I was very glad when I discovered that one of my former students had participated in an exhibition previously held there.”
