Jackson Muchiri shows off a sample of his drawings. Photo/MORAA OBIRIA
Fallen legend Nelson Mandela once asked:
‘‘Does anybody really think that they didn’t get what they had because
they didn’t have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the
commitment?”
To some this quote may pass as a set of
mere words, but for 21-year-old Jackson Muchiri the words are a
reference point in his artistic work.
Three years ago, soon after completing his high school education, Mr Muchiri decided to take up drawing as a lifetime career.
Today Mr Muchiri, who said that he was yet to exploit his full potential, earns a modest living from the undertaking.
I
have never thought of any thing else apart from being an artist. It is
my passion, my career. I started drawing when I was eight years old,” he
said.
“My motivation lies in every sketch I draw,
learning from others and the motivational statements I read from iconic
figures like the late Nelson Mandela. They give me the inspiration to
push on,” said the self-taught pencil and charcoal artist.
By
the use of a graphite pencil or charcoal, Mr Muchiri turns fine details
of an individual from a photograph into a beautiful portrait. On a
visit to Naivas Supermarket in Nakuru town, one notices Mr Muchiri’s
captivating collection of portraits on the wall.
He
prices his paintings according to size and complexity of the work. An A4
size drawing which costs Sh2,000 can take him up to three days to
complete.
An A3 size, which goes for Sh3,500, can take him a maximum of seven days to complete.
FAMILY SUPPORT
With
the support of his family, Mr Muchiri began drawing from his rural home
in Kiamunyeki and posted his paintings on his Facebook page.
“I
had no other platform apart from Facebook. I did not have a single cent
to rent space in town. I did not sell a single piece for eight months,
but I wore the armour of endurance. I knew that someday someone will
recognise my work,” he said.
Today he gets an average
of three orders per week. His station, outside the frequently visited
supermarket, has exposed him to more customers.
“I have
made quite a good number of sales since I came here early this year.
Many more people have come to appreciate my work,” he said.
Although
Mr Muchiri had the mistaken notion that he would land a big number of
tenders from white people visiting the shopping complex, he was
surprised to learn that his pieces were exclusively bought by black
people.
“I believed that white people appreciate fine
art more than blacks, but I am surprised that many Kenyans love my
drawings. I am yet to sell any piece to a white person,” said the
second-born in a family of four. Aware of the high competition in the
field, Mr Muchiri turns to YouTube for lessons on fine art and graphic
drawings to refine his skills.
He also seeks advice
from his Jamaican artist friend who he describes as ‘‘a mentor who has
chiselled my capability from drawing unproportional simple portraits to
perfecting pieces.’’
Talent is not enough, he said. An
artist needs creativity, peace of mind and emotional balance if he has
to bring out impressive pieces.
Two of his portraits
feature President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. He
plans to deliver the pieces to them as a Christmas gift.
Mr Muchiri said that he planned to enrol for fine art studies at an international school before the end of next year.
“I
am saving every coin to cover for my fees because I want to go back to
school to expand my knowledge. I have realised that artwork is extremely
competitive, I have to be always on top,” said Mr Muchiri.
He
identified lack of exposure to avenues of raising capital as one of the
biggest hindrances to the youths’ economic development.
Absence
of mentorship and support from guardians and parents was also an
obstacle that young entrepreneurs face as they seek to build their
talents, he observed.
ART ACADEMY
“I
want to start my own art academy to nurture young talents, especially
those interested in paint work or drawing,” said Mr Muchiri, who also
teaches young artists from Nakuru town and its environs.
In September President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled an economic empowerment kitty, Uwezo Fund, for youths and women.
However,
beneficiaries must be in groups of between nine and 15 members. The
groups must have been in existence for more than six months and must
have been involved in table banking.
They can apply for
amounts not exceeding Sh500,000. The interest-free loan should be
repaid in eight instalments after six months.
Members of the groups must be between 18 and 35 years.
The funds are managed by Constituency Uwezo Fund Management Committees established under the Constituency Development Fund.
Application forms are available in CDF offices. People living with disabilities are also eligible to apply for the money.
This story first appeared in the Business Daily
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