Litsa Masuku
This year marks the 40th anniversary of
the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, and as usual the festival has
attracted more artists from different parts of Africa and beyond.
Over the years the National Arts festival has been
perceived as a great platform for young artists who aspire to make it in the
world of entrepreneurship.
Carlington Chara who is already accomplished at 21 |
“My name is Carlington Chara, I am 21 years old from
Zimbabwe but I am based in Cape Town with my family due to business purposes. The festival is good for our business because
tourists support us a lot and we get to make good profit.”
Whenever the word ‘artist’ is mentioned people tend
to think it is all about music. Yet there are different types of artistic works
that can be showcased especially during an arts festival. Chara is an exceptional handwork artist, whose
work range from handbags to wallets and waist belts.
“It takes time to make a handbag because first I
need to come up with a pattern and then conduct measurements. I develop
patterns in different ways. Sometimes I rely on other people to give me ideas
and some I come up with by myself. After
taking the measurements I then cut all the pieces I will need to use in order
to put together the pattern I want, using some glue. At times it is challenging putting together
the pieces using glue because I have to be extra cautious not to make any
mistake.”
For Chara, art is something which runs through the
family, with his father inspiring his passion.
“[I wanted] to be a soldier but my father did not
allow me to pursue that route,” Chara says. “Instead he wanted me to do what he does,
which is handwork art.”
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