Simon Ndaba says he wants to use his passion for the arts to inspire and be a role-model to others, especially the deaf community.
Hearing impaired, the 36-year-old, who hails from Bloemfontein, came to Worcester eight years ago for work purposes at the National Institute for the Deaf (NID).
“I am currently working at the NID focusing on sign language, training and training staff,” he pointed out, showing Standard his latest artwork, a mural, at the institute. “But I have always been an artist, and that is my true passion.”
Ndaba is a true artist. From painting, to sketching to working with clay, he has done it all. “I believe I have been blessed with lots of skills as a deaf person with regard to art,” he added. He says painting and drawing are his favourite type of art.
According to Ndaba, his passion for art came after school. He attended an arts centre in the Free State and attended Motheo TVT College in Bloemfontein, where he obtained an N6 Diploma in Arts.
At present, he focuses on murals because he saw a gap in the market. “I recently did the wall paintings for the NID tea garden play area along with other artists,” Ndaba said. “I am now focusing on doing wall paintings, whether cartoons for children or whatever. My main focus now is to do this type of art.”
His work has exhibited at Artscape in Cape Town, the Worcester Art Gallery, Q Square and other Worcester venues. “I have sold lots of drawings and paintings in Worcester,” said Ndaba. “I sell my art all over town. Anywhere I can exhibit my work and sell it is where I will be. Sales have been a bit slow, but I am definitely selling my work, which is a good thing.”
He says he is still trying to find his feet in terms of marketing his work and selling his art in Worcester.
Ndaba, who is inspired by artists such as Zapiro, says his aim is to be a world-renowned artist.
I want people to see that deaf people can do anything
“They can create art and be artists. We have lots of deaf people who have amazing skills and talents, but do not have access. As a deaf person I would just like to achieve my dream.”
He says one of his long-term goals is to open an arts school for the deaf. He hopes to use his passion for art to inspire others in the community.
Anyone who wants to get in contact with Ndaba is welcome to send him a message on 081 313 4441 or email him on simonndabaa@gmail.com.
