Meet the Artists
Stone sculptor
Ryan Jim
Ryan is a sculptor who specializes in carving stone sculptures. He began his journey in art at the age of 13, assisting his father with the finishing touches on his work. His father inspired and initiated him into sculpture, sparking a passion that would shape his future. From that point, Ryan started practicing and creating his own pieces, and by the age of 19, he had gained confidence in carving and began working full-time in the industry.
His focus is primarily on abstract forms, and he works with stones commonly found in Zimbabwe, such as springstone, serpentine, dolomite, and many others. He primarily uses hand tools like chasing hammers and chisels to create his pieces.
Ryan’s journey in art has not been easy, especially financially, but he has found it deeply rewarding because it allows him to express his true self. When he sculpts, he feels happy, stress-free, and fulfilled.
Stone sculptor
Robson Kanyera
Robson Kanyera, originally from Mashonaland Central, is a stone sculptor. He began sculpting in 1994, inspired by his nephew Andrew Nyagweta and his friend Richard Banda at Chinembiri Artists and Crafts in Mbare, Harare.
Marketing his work has been very challenging, and although the situation has improved over time, accessing raw materials remains difficult. Robson and other artists often have to travel long distances to obtain the stones they need, which increases costs. Despite these obstacles, he continues to persevere and strive to make ends meet through his art.
Stone + Wood Sculptor
Joseph Marufu
Joseph Marufu, from Marondera, was introduced to the world of art through his mother, who worked in pottery and inspired him to pursue a creative path. He is now a sculptor working with both stone and wood, exploring diverse forms of expression through these natural materials.
Abstract Sculptor
Jona Gatoma
Jona Gatoma was born and raised in Murewa, Zimbabwe. He began carving at the age of 10 during school holidays, inspired by his late uncle, who was a second-generation artist. After completing his O’Level education, he pursued carving full-time in 1999.
His career began during a difficult period in Zimbabwe, when political challenges and the decline of tourism made life especially hard for artists. Despite these struggles, Jona traveled to Tanzania and Malawi, where he participated in exhibitions, as well as exhibiting locally in Zimbabwe, though with limited success at the time.
Nature is his greatest source of inspiration. He primarily creates abstract pieces, which require deep thought and imagination, setting his work apart from more traditional fine art.
Beading artist
Chantel Imani
Chantel Imani comes from Kinshasa and is based in Zimabwe as an artist. She discovered her passion for art through a close friend whose creativity inspired her. By joining him in his work, she found her own artistic path and developed a deep love for beading.
Today, she continues to explore this craft, creating unique beadwork pieces that reflect both her personal journey and the cultural influences that shaped her.
Canvas Artist
Dennis
From a young age, Dennis would spend hours drawing, lost in a world of colors and shapes. The scribbles on the page gradually transformed into vibrant landscapes and characters that seemed to leap off the paper. With each passing day, his love for art grew stronger, fueled by the work of masters who dared to dream big.