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Youth Interactive Writer

Pencil artist Tinashe Matsata (19) has admitted academics are not his forte, hence he uses art to overcome everyday life situations.

Realising he was not academically gifted, Matsata took up art while in Grade Four at Apex Primary School in Waterfalls as a coping mechanism.

In an interview, Matsata took Youth Interactive through his journey highlighting that despite not having the support of his family he will pursue art as it is something he loves doing.

“I grew up under the care of my grandparents whom I appreciate for having taken care of me. Most of my work is inspired by my upbringing and everyday life situations,” he said.

“Naturally I am very shy and quiet person, making conversations does not come so easily with me hence I decided to use art to communicate.”

The talented artist says he is self-taught.

“I never went to art school, it is something I taught myself as I grew up. I might not have perfected it as yet but so far with the progress made am happy with my drawings,” he said.

Matsata admitted to not being the sharpest tool in the shade as far as academics are concerned. He, however, discovered that art was his strong side.

“I decided to do art to expose the gift within me . This is something I feel strongly about. I believe art can sustain me.

“Besides, I am academically challenged. I am not the sharpest tool in the shade as far as school is concerned,” he said.

However despite his love for art, Matsata is living in two different worlds as his family is torn in between, pulling in different directions in suggesting a career path for him.

“My grandparents support me while my mom and dad often rebuke me for choosing sketches over academics.

“Art is something within me. We are bonded together and I cannot separate from my sketches no matter how hard they try to discourage me.

“I understand this might cause a rift between the family but then again at the end of it all I cannot fight how I feel. I find comfort in drawing,” he said.

Matsata, a Form Four student at Ultimate College of Technology, urged fellow peers to believe in their dreams and fight for what they believe in.

“As teenagers, we are often labelled.

“Everybody thinks we are rebels. I believe if one feels strongly about anything the best we can do is support them.

“I urge parents to support their children.

“Paths are different, some are good at academics which I acknowledge while others like me are just better in art,” he                           said.

Despite having started at a very young age Matsata, said he struggles to get materials to use because he can not afford to buy the required stuff.

“I seek to pursue this but sometimes I am hindered by circumstances because I cannot afford the required resources.

“I hope to blend traditional and modern art as I grow. Trends and techniques are shifting it is a wave I want to sail in also,” he said.