THE JOURNEY OF A CREATIVE
Being a creative is as interesting of a venture as any other career out there; not only does it open one up to the doors of creativity but it also frees their mind from mental stress; it creates a healthy community, an expressive one and one that believes in individualism; as we may see it. Artistry can be delivered or expressed in a variety of forms; a part of our nation and a large one for that matter still finds it a challenge to figure out what they love or even learn more about themselves; others may be creative but may lack the means in which to express this ability because of little to no inspiration and a lack of proper resources.
In the end the dreamer gives up and settles for what is common and unhealthy; our communities lack enough recreational facilities, mental help and ambition. It breaks our hearts to see that the streets are only filled with night clubs, bars and liquor stores; if not that then a shopping mall or a business offering a loan that the majority will get out of desperation to shop at the mall just to seek validation but in the process ignoring their aspirations.
This exhibition was meant to showcase all the simple but beautiful things we tend to overlook while we get busy trying to keep up with society. It was meant to bring us all down to earth and realize why life is still worth living.
We believe money is not the measure of success and it does not matter how big our houses may be. The beauty of it all is that we have a place we can call a home; a place we can put all the little things we cherish and a place that allows us to be ourselves. We all come from somewhere atleast and we all have roots; through these roots we find joy in the silliest things. Through embracing our inner child we find a purpose to live again and eventually free our minds.
Our event showcased a variety of handmade arts and crafts that motivate us to appreciate our homes more.
As we journey through life’s trials we need something around us to motivate us and to make life worthwhile and everytime we look around, we ought to feel peaceful atleast and we ought to remember that life isn’t always bad.
BENEFITS OF THE EXHIBITION
The idea was to give the audience a homely filled show using handmade Arts and Crafts that interpret the value of a home and why it is so important in life’s journey.
The exhibition was also meant to empower artists from our communities willing to explore their dreams further by atleast giving them an incentive and a platform that showcases the ability to make the most out of nothing using creative skills such as recycling, up cycling, sketching, painting; crocheting; carpentry, designing and many more.
This exhibition was one of many to come and it will serve as our introduction to the potentials of this industry.
Hosted by:
SIB’S CREATIONS
A business that offers crochet skills and manufactures handmade products that include home interiors, fashion wear, stuffed toys and accessories.
We take joy in recycling, up cycling and reusing sustainable raw materials to produce quality, modern and useful products.
What Inspired Some Of My Creations?
The Storage Basket
The initial idea was to create hand bags, but it matured into creating a basket which has turned out to serve more purpose. People enjoy using them as plant carriers, Laundry baskets and even for pillows and as décor;
This discovery caused me to remember who I am and that as much as I am Sibeso; I have got different faces; that whatever a person is looking for, that is in me; they are able to find in me, in accordance with what they are looking for; I can create it.
The Staffed Animals
A story of Zambia and how inspiring it was for me to see tourists want to carry something that is handmade in Zambia and about Zambia; so I was challenged to bring a modern animal which is part of the big five because tourists love the big five.
I wanted to talk about the big five; traditionally; the big five is beautiful but I wanted to modernize it; and that is how I ended up creating the staffed animal collection.
Floor Cushions
They are a creation of how much more potential we have deep down and sometimes we just need several people to nudge it and then there we are; a masterpiece.
&,
SAVIOUR’S CASA
A Creative, Arts and Entertainment center which explores, creates and collects art and creativity in various forms for recreation through exhibitions, mental health talks, podcasts, music, theater, markets, galleries and many more.
They say your space is a reflection of your interior life and to most of us a Casa or a house is a place in which we feel the freedom to be ourselves; whether we own it or not; it is a place that not only makes us feel welcomed but valued too; it brings out the best in us and also influences our uniqueness.
Our house provides visual arts such as paintings, murals, drawings, Illustrations, prints and a variety of other handmade crafts.
Our goal is to promote individualism and creative artistry.
CREATIVE STORIES
The following are stories about the art pieces that were exhibited by Saviours Casa and the inspiration behind them.
MONA LISA’S MIRROR
A reflection of the Mona Lisa painting in pop or contemporary form. The painting is a mirror of Lisa Gherardini (Mona Lisa) in a modern error. This was done in honor of Leonardo Da Vinci’s creativity through his beautiful paintings.
- Saviour Masange
Art Description
At Saviour’s Casa; blue represents a mirror, flow or water. In this case it represents Mona Lisa’s mirror. Inspired by a painting of La Gioconda (Italian), La Jaconde (French) or Lisa Gherardini called the Mona Lisa which was said to have been painted between 1503 and 1507; however, Leonardo may have continued working on it as late as 1517.
I painted it because my creativity is partially inspired by Da Vinci’s work. I have never seen his work in person but I try to study it and learn from it aswell. History says he would always encourage his students to recreate his work; I have always felt like one of his students so I decided to do it. My love for color drove me into this creation; in my imagination I see a present view of her as an art piece with a contemporary sense; pop culture like; it is as if Lisa Gherardini (Mona Lisa) lived among us in the 21st Century.
Medium I: Ink on Paper (Mona Lisa’s Mirror 2) Size: 21cm × 29.7cm
Medium II: Oil on Canvas (Mona Lisa’s Mirror 3) Size: 50cm × 70cm
THE VIRGIN’S MIRROR
After being so inspired by one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest paintings; I decided to create a piece of it and call it the Virgin’s Mirror. The original painting being The Virgin of the Rocks was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci and this is only a mirror of it. Like in the Mona Lisa; blue represents that mirror.
- Saviour Masange
Art Description
The art piece is a reminder of how beautiful and immaculate the Virgin of the Rocks is. What makes this masterpiece even more interesting is that Leonardo Da Vinci painted it twice. One piece being in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France; the other one in the National Gallery in London, England.
He painted the first one from 1483 – 1486 and the second one in 1495 – 1508. The paintings show the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus with infant John the Baptist and Angel Uriel. Although the date of associated commission is documented; the complete histories of the two paintings are unknown; leaving to speculation about which of the two is earlier.
All this and more intrigued me and lead to the creation of the Virgin’s Mirror
Medium: Ink on Paper (Framed)
Size: 21cm × 29.7cm
PEARL (Sade Adu)
There is a woman in Somalia; the sun gives her no mercy; the same sky we lay under burns her to the bone. Long as afternoon shadows; it is going to take her to get home. Each grain carefully wrapped up pearls for her little girl.
In-Detail
Sade describes the life of a woman in Somalia who lives a life that is far different from the one most of us are living. The woman in description is the pearl because she is out all day toiling under the scotching sun; struggling and enduring all the hurt just to feed her little girl. This also reminds us that there is beauty in the struggle and that embracing it makes us precious or in this case it makes us pearls. Embracing pain and struggle for a greater good or intention; a sympathetic or sonder feeling of purpose.
Art Description
The creation of this art piece was inspired by Sade’s Love album art cover. The entire album is a tale of love from pain to joy and vice versa. The art piece portrays a picture of Sade that gives a sense of vulnerability and rawness to let go. Green on her body symbolizes how rooted she is to her morals; it is in her nature to be that way. Yellow describes her shinning beauty and her ability to overcome all the pain she feels through her will to give and show love. Orange symbolizes all the benefits and wealth that breeds out of giving and showing love and black shows her boldness and pride to stand firm through it all
Medium & Size: Oil on Canvas (40cm × 30cm)
ENCHANTED
I am lured into your enchanted beauty without notice; I fall deep but I am never shaken because my love for you is bold; you are a symbol of nature, blooming out in colorful ways. You are enchanted and in the end so am I
- Saviour Masange
Art Description
This piece of art was inspired by my sister. Enchanted portrays the ways of an African woman. Covered in royalty and in an African spirit; dressed in diamonds and pearls; fine like wine and rooted to the ways of nature. Rising from dirt to show the world that she is one of the kind; with a mind as beautiful as the mother land.
“In the midst of awe; I stay rooted and focused on the mission; trusting that my vision will lead me out of this temor; I endure the trauma with a hope that soon I shall see tomorrow”
Medium: Ink on Paper
Size: 29.7cm × 42cm
CHANGE (Ideas Don’t Have a Date)
My intuition is telling me there’ll be better days; I sit in silence and find whenever I meditate; my fears alleviate; my tears evaporate; my faith don’t deviate;
Ideas don’t have a date.
Jermaine Cole
In-Detail
Nobody ever plans for an idea; it just comes out of them. We often ignore ideas or thoughts that cross our minds and it’s devastating; it even scares us to acknowledge ourselves having certain thoughts. This leads to ignorance which hinders us from ever getting a chance to explore ideas enough to create something constructive out of them and because we want a perfect moment; a perfect thought or a perfect date; we stay oblivious to the one right before us.
Art Description
Ideas don’t have a date is a reminder that we should be aware of what we think; it’s a reminder that we should acknowledge whatever idea comes to mind because we may never know how life changing that ignored idea may be to us and even though it may seem like a silly thought; writing it down atleast and continuing to work and explore it may just change our lives forever.
The image in the art piece is initially a picture of Chris Brown that I digitally worked on and transformed to what you’re seeing; the words in the hoodie are lyrics from J Cole’s song titled “Change” which also inspired the paintings title. I decided to place them inside the hoodie because they show that ideas blossom from the mind which is located in our heads. It is glowing out of the shadows to depict the concept of it coming off the mind. I listen to J Cole and Chris Brown a lot so it’s just amazing to be able to create this.
Medium & Size: Oil on Canvas (35cm × 25cm)
ICONIC
A symbol of an inner glow, class and beauty; her hair spreads out and through its roots a new world is created; a world full of freedom and pride in one self; embracing the goddess she is; one cannot help but feel Iconic.
- Saviour Masange
In-Detail
Iconic describes a woman who has found a confidence in herself; she nolonger worries but acts on her intuition; she owns up and keeps her composure through the hurdles of everyday life; she knows she is beautiful so she needs not anybody to tell her otherwise; she inspires many but only stays true to self. In the end she’s admired and adored and considered to be iconic.
Art Description
Purple represents all the pain and joy she endures through her journey. It symbolizes a wave of both, the highs and the lows of her everyday life regardless the frequency; tempo or mood.
Black is a symbol of pride. It shows her ability to spread out and conquer each hurdle with her head held high; without fear and without doubt.
Yellow is the reward. It represents her shine/glow; the fruits of her labor; her enlightenment. It portrays the goddess in her.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 40cm × 40cm
PAINTED LADY (Noemie Doragon)
Muse and multidisciplinary artist, I found a way to unapologetically inhabit my body and express myself.
Modeling answered to a visceral need to meet and embrace my whole being. Infront of a camera, I realized how incredible it was to dive into my inner self for a meditative and intimate moment, an instinctive and harmonious dance. It gave me a place to be free, to feel comfortable in my most natural form, vulnerable but powerful and to share my voice in a corporal way.
I desire to leave people moved, questioning the relationship that they’ve built with their bodies, their vision of nudity as well as society’s expectation.
This world tends to be hurtful and disconnected from what seems fundamental to me. What would life be without space for emotions, creativity, freedom, nature? I aim to share them through my pictures and creations.
With love.
- Noemie Doragon
Art Description
A source of inspiration
Medium: Ink on Paper (29.7cm × 42cm)
RAISED BY THE WOLVES (Basia Szkaluba)
These aren’t tattoos, these are scars. My young dogs will tear you and the witnesses apart. They care about starving more than they do about a charge. Me, I can’t break a commitment. I have seen people mess up the whole team because they couldn’t play they position. Talking about they didn’t mean it; you know the road to hell was paved with good intentions. I see myself in my nemesis. I contemplated forgiveness; I think I lost all my innocence.
My life depends on this; this isn’t a simple thing. Try and steal and you’ll get bit; that’s what you get. I feel safer taking risks and I can’t eat this on my own life. Put my back against the wall just to see how much I’ve grown.
Sean Michael Leonard Anderson
In-Detail
Raised by the wolves is a piece of art that simply tells a story on the struggles of growing up and the environment in which we are raised. The wolves depict the roughness and the toughness experienced through the journey and to survive is the beauty and so is the art piece. It portrays an image of the diamond in a ruff that goes through hardships but is able to still love themselves; their body and also their soul.
Art Description
The title which was inspired by a song called wolves, which is done by Sean Michael Leonard Anderson; also known as Big Sean, gives more insight on the theme. I love blending my art with music, movies and photography and when I saw this picture of Polish model, Basia Szkaluba; I imagined a woman scarred but choosing to look beyond it to acknowledge her beauty.
Whenever I paint a picture of a woman showing part of her skin; it portrays the vulnerability of letting go & embracing pain and joy altogether & color is the compliment.
Medium: Ink on Paper (21cm × 29.7cm)
LUSAKA TIMES
Art Description
Lusaka times is from an art piece collection of skyscrapers.
This one in particular is centered on Lusaka and contains two pieces of art so far. Lusaka times being a reminder of the city’s origin.
I used Findeco House building because it is one of Lusaka’s oldest and most famous infrastructures. It portrays the history of the city and I believe that it is a great symbol or signature that shows the age of the city.
I used a concept of time to portray the longevity of the skyscraper. It has outlived so much and how beautiful of it to still be standing firmly after all these years.
I captured a picture of it on one Sunday morning and decided to create a piece of art out of it. I love moving around the city on Sundays because it is less congested and quiet.
I actually did not go out with the intention to take this picture but everything happened spontaneously while I was walking by.
I thought sharing it with the world would be amazing so I did and it turned out that alot more people really do share a similar feeling of connection to this building too.
Like most cities around the world; I think this is our landmark or atleast one of them; I hope to do more art pieces about it despite its age; I think it is still beautiful and I hope to keep telling the world about it.
Medium: Ink on Paper (21cm × 29.7cm)
THE CITY, IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT
I saw the city in a different light and I was never the same.
LJ Mojo
Art Description
This piece of art portrays the second piece in my Lusaka skyscraper art collection. I captured a photo of this building called Society business park which unlike the Findeco House building is more modern.
It brings out a much new and reimagined picture of the city. Formally known as Society house, this building is pretty old inside too; but it got renovated into what it is now and now the view is not the same.
The city in a different light is a title inspired by Zambian artist, LJ Mojo’s song with the same title. The reason for this title is in the appearance of the skyscraper which is so distinct from most infrastructure around it. With that beautiful reflection it gives of the city and a sense of new hope or a new beginning. It has also become a great symbol of the city and in a more improved manner.
That’s right! The city in a different light; a new height; never afraid because we move by faith and not by sight; we just might be real while we take flight and stay above like a kite.
Medium: Ink on Paper (21cm × 42cm)
SHERE KHAN (The Jungle Book)
A child is learning in natures special way; he is beginning to see all the beauty in this world today; his eyes are glomming at every site and sound with his innocent heart he feels that love is all around but this world can be confusing and learning can be hard when lessons that you often learn means danger lurks beneath the stars; so take good care of nature’s friends and they’ll take good care of you; then we can all leave together as one as in the jungle book.
Suzi Marsh
In-Detail
In the jungle; it is to eat or to be eaten, but my words are written in the book of life so I do not worry about the kitten preying on me while I’m sleeping; even when I get beaten; I will forever appreciate all the love I am given through this word; the pen is greater than the sword.
- Saviour Masange
Art Description
Inspired by the Jungle Book. A boy named Mowgli is brought up in the jungle by a pack of wolves. When Shere Khan, a tiger threatens to kill him because Shere Khan deems him unworthy of being in the jungle. Mowgli undergoes a journey of self-discovery with the help of the animals around him. Shere Khan possesses an intense hatred for humans due to his fear of guns and fire. He portrays a certain hatred and resentment that breeds out of trying to fight nature or control it.
This fear drives his ambition but it also drives his greed.
Medium: Ink on Paper (Framed)
Size: 29.7cm × 42cm
MIND YOUR EAGLE
It takes a lot of precision and timing to have an Eagles instinct. Sometimes we are stuck wondering why we keep falling through the same life cycles and because we think we know it all. It is hard to see our own flaws. Our egos have blinded us. The fall tends to feel longer and more hurtful then; but when we lighten up and learn from the environment around us; new experiences flow through; then we can finally take flight.
- Saviour Masange
Art Description
Blue in this case represents flow and because an eagle is a bird, it portrays our fight and flight of life. An eagle makes it look so easy because it’s so precise; it anticipates its prey from a mile away and attacks or executes with the perfect timing.
We learn from it the essence of dominance and precision. It also teaches us that doubt is amateur and execution is everything when practiced with finesse and gut timing.
Black and Yellow symbolize the highs and the lows, turbulence or waves experiences in flight or flow through life’s journey.
Medium: Ink on Paper (Framed)
Size: 29.7cm × 42cm
I (I Love Myself)
Lift up your head and keep moving; turn the mic up. Peace to fashion police; I wear my heart on my sleeve; let the runaway start; you know the miserable do love company; what do you want from me and my scars? Everybody lack confidence; everybody lack confidence. How many times my potential was anonymous; how many times the city making me promises. So I promise this; I Love Myself.
- Kendrick Lamar
Art Description
This piece of art of American artist, poet and creative; Kendrick Lamar, is referenced from his song, I which is part of his album; To Pimp A Butterfly. The art piece like the song symbolizes the beauty of self-love and serves as a reminder to us that we should embrace the being we see when we look into a mirror. Our stories and also our persona or whatsoever else makes up who we are.
The foundation of growth or anything else in life starts with oneself and then it rubs off on the rest of the world. In a nutshell I would say, “I cannot help the world until I help myself.” In order to give love I gotta have love for myself first.
This art piece is a collaboration of Saviour’s creativity and singer, songwriter and creative; Luggy Hangs artistry.
Medium: Ink on Paper (Framed)
Size: 29.7cm × 42cm
AGE AIN’T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER (Aaliyah)
Age ain’t nothing but a number; throwing down ain’t nothing but a thing; this loving I have for you, it will never change. Age ain’t nothing but a number; throwing down ain’t nothing but a thing; this loving I have for you, it will never change.
- Aaliyah
Art Description
The inspiration of this piece came out of a realization that everything is everything. What I mean by this is ... We shouldn’t always base our beliefs and values on time and age; it’s ever changing; seasons come and seasons go, and we can’t always keep up with it; we age differently but how amazing it is to exist in the same time and space.
Aaliyah brings that out in her song, Age is just a number. She offers love unconditionally and confidently.
I view love as something tangible; to be touched means to have felt and I believe love is a feeling; I also believe that feelings are caused by energy and energy is emotion.
They say don’t trust your emotions but I think we should; I think we should seat with them; I think we should be aware of the energy around us; we should acknowledge it and face it head on; without confliction or worry about what the next person may think or say. It might be with our Moms or Dads, our friends, or our family; otherwise I feel love should be expressed freely regardless the age.
Medium: Ink on Paper (21cm × 29.7cm)
JIVE
As we dive deep into these scenes of love, we start to see the light above; even as we ascend and let go of everything that we thought we had; will we survive? We strive to stay alive, but are we really alive?
- Saviour Masange
Art Description
My dictionary tells me that Jive means deception; it also means to dance. The inspiration of this piece of art comes from a dance. It portrays two people standing next to each other but slowly breaking apart; there appears to be so much energy involved because they are both in motion; they are dancing.
I use color to depict the beauty and positivity found in the moment; sometimes it may portray a darkness that breaks out into the light and vice versa. Similar to this analogy is this couple that is so carefree that it chooses to dance and enjoy the ecstasy of the moment. Ignoring all the consequences and societal norms to live freely in their fantasy.
They kill themselves in the flesh to keep their souls alive; this can be seen from the glow that is breaking out of them. Their desire to reach ecstasy and to live life on the edge together and in sync. People are usually in sync when they dance; they usually share a similar mood or tempo; a jive. Unfortunately part of this is deceptive and even though it may seem like fun in the moment but in reality, everything is falling apart into small little unnoticeable pieces. Their flesh is dying.
Medium: Ink on Paper (21cm × 29.7cm)
LOST AND FOUND (Jorja Smith)
I feel like wherever I go I’m still quite lost, but there’s a sense of found in that I’m right where I want to be. Lost and found is how I feel.
Jorja Smith
Art Description
Life is a balance. Whatever you get, you will get less of; whether it is the highs and the lows; the positive and negative stuff or like in this case, being lost and found.
The world is black and white; it is a wave of day and night. This affirmation solidifies everything we do and believe in. Jorja Smith brings this out in her album, Lost and Found. She embraces knowing and not knowing and is rewarded by the beauty of it.
The vulnerability that comes with giving love may leave us with a certain emptiness but it may also remind us of the love we need for ourselves. They say too much of everything is bad and that is why we need to strike a balance if we are to maintain our sanity.
Nobody is ever prepared for the bad times but the awareness of it makes the good times worthwhile, and in a similar way; we ought to remember the good times while we experience the bad. We ought to be like water and just flow.
When I saw this picture; I was eager to create a story based on her concept; fortunately Jorja Smith carries a similar message in her latest album called Falling or Flying.
Medium: Ink on Paper (21cm × 29.7cm)
FEELING GOOD (Nina Simone)
It’s a new dawn. It’s a new day; it’s a new life for me, yeah; it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me, ooh! And I’m feeling good.
- Nina Simone
In-Detail
Nina Simone puts out a message about flow. She wakes up to a moment in her life in which she feels free to be who she desires to be. Like the various stuff in nature that she mentions in the song; she realizes how effortless and peaceful it is to be free. She feels so good about it like it’s a reward. Happiness is her reward.
Art Description
When we allow things to flow; we unlock the streams of our minds and let go of control. The more we let life play out into a direction of our present desired energy; the more we become one with it, but the more we try to control every moment; the more worry and anxiety we build up in ourselves.
Whether our desires will come true or not may not be guaranteed but I think it’s unhelpful and hostile to worry about it because this blinds us from seeing all the blessings and beauty before us.
Letting go, sacrifice, confidence and enlightenment. Blue represents letting go of control and letting things flow; Red represents the things we have to sacrifice to attain peace; yellow represents the knowledge and enlightenment guiding us through the journey and finally black which shows the confidence to trust the process.
Nina Simone’s music is a true inspiration of this feeling; connecting with the soul to free our minds and bodies.
Medium: Ink on Paper (21cm × 29.7cm)
SEA THROUGH
This piece of art is part of my surreal artwork collection. It is called Sea Through because it portrays an imaginative description of collective growth through co-existence.
Art Description
The eyes represent mirrors and each creature, through its own eyes is able to see in another, a part in itself. It is able to see its flaws; struggles; accomplishments; capabilities and much more than that. Their ability to surround themselves with all these like-minded creatures provides a relationship with their natural habitat which in return creates an identity similar to the creatures surrounding.
This is an ability that also relates to human beings.
Their tentacles represent the creature’s ability to influence change. The karma or the action or the effect that each one of them holds towards the cause which in this case is projected by the other creatures surrounding it and its environment.
Blue represents the sea or water; it represents a place filled with obstacles, life encounters, challenges and everyday experience faced during the creature’s lifetime. All this in the end shapes up its being through the cluster.
Medium: Ink on Paper (Laminated & Framed)
Size: 21cm × 29.7cm
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
We would love to thank Alliance Française for hosting us and making this exhibition a reality. Merci boku!
©2024