UITENHAGE painter Sonwabe Mhletywa has recently started a WhatsApp group for aspiring artists in her area in a bid to use her experience to provide guidance to help them gain confidence and improve their craft.
From as early as 11 years old Mhletywa started drawing but it was only when she was 18 years old that she started exploring her creative side. She was able to discover the beauty of creating something with colour and painting became her passion and way of expression.
She then went on to study fine art and design at Nelson Mandela University in 2007 and in 2011 she studied graphic design at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
“Painting started as a hobby and turned into a way of expression. I believe that painting is my creative calling that has been the driving force for me and will continue to lead me in any future artistic decisions I will make,” she said.
Through each portrait and abstract art piece, Mhletywa hopes to inspire and evoke specific feelings and emotions. She also wants people to feel free to question her artwork and hopefully interpret her paintings into their own lives.
Mhletywa who is the founder and creative director of Urban Art Creative Studio, a platform in which she showcases her artwork, hopes the website will influence young and emerging artists to pursue their dreams in the industry.
The website also offers apparel printing, t-shirts, mugs, caps, wall clocks, keyrings and coasters.
“My main aim when I started my company was to educate and introduce people in Uitenhage to art. The platform is not only for me to make my art accessible to people from all walks of life, but hopefully encourage young artists to continue creating art pieces for years to come,” said Mhletywa.
In an attempt to help young artists, Mhletywa has created a WhatsApp group for painters who are passionate and creative.
She currently has five people in the group, but hopes the number increases to about 30.
Mhletywa said many artists are not confident and are stuck at a certain level with their craft.
She therefore provides two, three-hour long sessions a week which consists of tips and tricks on techniques and experimental suggestions, technical assistance for drawing and painting, tutorials and books on subjects related to the members’ artistic interests.
“There is so much raw talent that is going to waste in disadvantaged communities all over the world. Helping someone else embrace their craft and overcome the odds is humbling. With these measures I hope that they will not only gain confidence in their creativity, but also improve on where they were lacking initially,” said Mhletywa.
In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, Mhletywa believes art can provide a visual interpretation and truly express the nature and dangers of the virus.
Mhletywa’s artwork can be found on Urban Art Creative Studio’s Facebook page, her personal Facebook account – Sonwabe Mhletywa, Instagram – sonwabem and twitter – @Sonwabe_M.
Her biggest hope for the future is to have her work exhibited next to many great artists all over the world, but before then she would like to have her own gallery based in Uitenhage in order to promote and exhibit talents in the area.
