A Grade 12 learner from Apex High School in Eerste River says it was a dream come true when she exhibited her art works at the recent Suidooster Festival.
Gift Wamala, a refugee from Uganda, says her artistic talents is a gift from God.
“I started drawing ever since I met my first pencil and paper. During primary school my classmates asked me to draw pictures for them and even advised me to become an artist or designer.
People always told me I had the gift for drawing, but I never took it seriously.
“I only realised it was my talent in 2021 when I drew my father and presented it to my family. They were astonished and my parents told me in amazement that I truly had a talent from God,” says Gift.
Art skills
According to her, her art skills improved over the years since she realised she could draw.
“Over the years my art skills grew little by little through constant drawing, (not as a practise but as a hobby) in a way that anytime I had a pen and paper in hand, my hand would automatically draw doodles even during class sessions.
“By the end of the year all my school books had drawings in them.
“Till in 2021, one prayer changed my entire life around. I followed Luke 11:19 and asked God to let this talent change my family’s life for the better and ever since that day I was blessed with the skills to draw realism.
“My greatest inspiration is God’s creations. I’m fascinated by nature and people. I love to draw portraits of families, faces and loved animals.
“I mostly draw portraits since I’m astounded by the human structure and its functions and the way one’s face can express many different emotions,” she says.
She was over the moon when she was invited to exhibit at the Suidooster Festival.
“I was so happy to do what I love and get noticed for it. I realised once again that God was fulfilling his promise to me. I drew every art piece with all my heart and was jubilant with the outcomes.
“Ever since I was a little child I had one main dream and that was to get my family out of poverty. My mum always motivated me by saying education is the key to success and we can do all things through Christ.
“I dream to finally own my own house and give my parents the best life after years of hardships as foreigners. I dream to inspire others just as I am inspired, I dream for all these material things, but my greatest mission is to make it to Heaven,” she says.
Renate van der Westhuizen, principal at Apex High School, says gift was noticed by the public when the provincial education minister, David Maynier, attended the opening of their blended learning class.
“Gift designed the focus artwork that is prominently placed outside of the class. The art work tells the story of the community of Eerste River, and how with a good education and technology, you can reach all your dreams. She was then asked to exhibit at the Suidooster Festival and the rest is history. We are very proud of Gift, not only because she is very talented, but because she is an exemplary student. ”
