FINE artist Leonard Chikasvipa says the exorbitant price of wire in the country has led him to improvise in his creations.
Chikasvipa has resorted to making small artefacts and selling unfinished objects due to the problem, as wire from South Africa is not readily available.
“The wire that I use is expensive to purchase in the country. It’s not just ordinary wire and also I use different wire thicknesses, so this has affected me in a big way. I am now making my crafts based on orders,” he said.
"I am making semi-finished crafts with the little wire that I acquire through barter trade. I make little artefacts for my friends in South Africa, who then send me wire from there.
“Apart from wire, plating finished artefacts is also expensive locally, these problems affect how I want to package and brand my works.”
The Chitungwiza-based artist mostly makes animal-based artefacts although he is capable of imitating various creations.
“I am in love with animals, that’s why you see that most of my creations are wild animals. I can make anything, using wire, including furniture,” Chikasvipa said.
“If I get financial assistance, I wish to make a figure resembling prophet of Zimbabwe, Chaminuka, who dwelled in Chitungwiza.
- Cost of wire affecting our craft: Chikasvipa
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“That would be put in the dormitory town for posterity so that everyone will know his story and to promote arts tourism in the town.”
Artist are reeling from the effects of a global economic decline caused by COVID-19-induced lockdowns, which has led to less buyers coming from Europe, Asia and America.
Chikasvipa added that a lot of people were appreciating his art, unfortunately, many of them could only afford to purchase the small pieces not the big ones.
“I would like to have a place where I can sell my artefacts in uptown areas, resort towns and also to be able to exhibit at major exhibitions in the country and abroad. I have enough artefacts to do a solo exhibition,” he said.
“I have managed to exhibit at two places in Harare this year. I hope some opportunities will come sooner rather than later and I dream of exhibiting in Europe.”
Emerging artists often find it difficult to penetrate mainstream markets due to lack of platforms and exhibition places.
Chikasvipa has been in the arts industry for more than 30 years, but only four in wire crafting.
He started off in bead crafting.
