BRIGHTON TENDAYI is arguably becoming the most sought-after stone carver of his generation.
The Chitungwiza Arts Centre (CAC)-based sculptor, famed for his Big Five animal creations, is raising awareness on climate change and wildlife conservation through statues in vertical or horizontal mounts of up to two metres.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Tendayi said the Big Five animal statues were of great significance because they drew attention to listening and action on many things.
“The Big Five animals include the elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and cheetah. They are called the Big Five because they are huge in size and the most dangerous animals in the world. They are a marvel to watch and Zimbabwe is blessed with all these five animals, making it a good one-stop tourist destination,” he noted.
“My artwork is mostly on springstone, dolomite, red jasper or leopard rock. My carvings draw attention through their emphasis on detail, intricate distribution and a steady balance for a perfect indoor and outdoor mount.”
Tendayi is often tasked to take up ambassadorial roles for Chitungwiza Arts Centre.
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He has been to South Africa on business and for exhibitions, displayed at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and at Elephant Hills Hotel in the resort town of Victoria Falls early this year.
Tendayi works with the Primary and Secondary Education ministry on different initiatives such as career guidance and coaching students and he also teaches them visual arts.
“My aim is to motivate kids to love and to promote arts talent, to mentor them to become good artists and local tourists at different resorts in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Stone visual art is a memory bank for children and adults to aim at seeing the actual animals one day in their lives.”
At one point, Tendayi hosted former Vice-President Kembo Mohadi at his art garden at CAC.