Okakarara-based artist Larry Tizayo Kazombiaze paints to encourage others to use their abilities for greater good.
Now 30 years old, Kazombiaze started drawing and painting at a young age, and credits the exposure he got from school for motivating him and boosting his confidence to pursue his art dream, despite the obstacles attached to venturing into the art industry.
“With great love, motivation and confidence, I want to inspire other upcoming visual artists to use their God-given talents to take it to greater heights,” he shared with VIBEZ!
The Windhoek High School alumni says he is forever grateful for the exposure he got at the College of the Arts for the extra lessons he received on painting, which have made him fall more in love with the craft and create wonderful images.
Kazombiaze said his inspiration comes from family, friends and people he considers heroes and heroines as well as leaders.
He has painted several prominent local and international personalities, and his favourite pieces of the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William.
Kazombiaze treasures the response from the prince on the portrait. The letter from Kensington Palace seen by VIBEZ! reads: “The Royal Highness is incredibly grateful to you for the fantastic drawing that was very thoughtfully made. The Duke was touched you drove such a long way to bring the gift for him, and was sorry to not have had the chance to meet with you during his visit”. Prince William was in Namibia on a week-long private working trip centred on wildlife conservation in 2018.
“Other favourite portraits are of the three presidents (Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba and Hage Geingob) that I did for the country’s independence in 2018. I also give gratitude to our current President for his excellent leadership and unwavering support of my artwork.
This has always been the pillar of my motivation to grow as an artist,” reflected Kazombiaze.
In terms of advice to aspiring artists, he said they have to make a name for themselves in the art world, and ensure they make an income from their craft.
His art can be bought for N$500 and upward, depending on whether it is a pencil drawing or a painting, and his most expensive piece was a portrait of First Lady Monica Geingos which was bought for N$50 000.
Looking at the future, the young man said he will be drawing for many more years, and aspires to open an art school to teach others the craft as well as to boost their self-confidence.
- psiririka@nepc.com.na