Local artist wins the heart of the community
Monday, 2nd August 2021
Meet Lubabalo Solani. He is a local aspiring artist that has captured the community’s heart with his inspirational story of beating the odds with one tool: his talent for drawing.
Lubabalo is from the Vukani Location in Makhanda and lost both his parents at the age of 3 months. Winning the Fan’s Choice Award at the local photo competition #SnapandWin sponsored by Oak Lodge, we got to witness his popularity first hand. He said his passion for drawing has kept him alive and dreaming of one day becoming a gallery owner, so he can have the capacity to help other up-and-coming young artists.
We caught up with him recently to hear a little about him.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Lubabalo Solani from Vukani Location Grahamstown. I’m 20 years old. Both my parents passed away when I was still young. Drawing portraits is my passion.
Where does your passion for drawing come from?
I grew up with a passion for drawing, so I consider drawing as my gift.
What kind of drawings do you specialise in?
I do portraits. I like to draw pictures that depict sadness because I relate more to them.
How long have you been drawing?
I started doing portraits for fun in primary school, and then took it seriously when I was doing grade 12 in high school.
How much time do you dedicate to drawing?
It depends on the drawing that I’m doing at that moment. Sometimes it takes a day or two or even a week.
Do you see yourself making a career out of art?
Yes, hundred percent for sure.
What kind of growth would you like to have in the next six months?
I want to be in a space where I would help young kids who are interested in drawing. I would also like to go to school and study fashion design. In the future, I would like to own an art gallery.
How are you sustaining yourself?
At the moment, I do a portrait for someone and then get paid for the picture.
To get your own portrait done by Lubabalo, you can contact him on: 060 417 1505
Email: kosilubabalo739@gmail.com
