BY: LITEBOHO LETLATSA
Maliepollo Naomi Motebang also known as Kaai quoted Pablo Picasso when talking about art – “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once one grows up”. The Young Mosotho artist specializes mainly in string art, but she also creates other sorts of art, such as paintings and sketches.
She described string art as a type of art wherein different coloured thread is woven around hammered nails that have been arranged in a specific pattern on a wooden board. The artist learned string art at the British International School in New Delhi, India.
She stated, “I chose string art because already there are many people who paint and sketch, therefore I wanted to be unique and bring something fresh to the country. The artist revealed that she eventually took the business of selling art seriously in 2017 and carefully trained for two years before starting to sell in 2019.
Kaai declared that she feels incredibly honoured to be able to make a living by doing what she loves. “Some people work for something they hate and turn into zombies in the process. The idea of working in an office has never appealed to me,” said she. She continued by saying that it does not feel like a job because it gives her the flexibility to do as she feels good. She sees art as therapy since it allows her to express any emotion, and different colours create innumerable moods.
Kaai highlighted that Letele Motebang, her husband, is also an artist. The two of them used their skills to start their business, Khutlo Arts. The artist highlighted that the word Khutlo, which means full stop, suggested that everything needs to stop so that one can start afresh. It doesn’t just apply to terrible situations; even happy moments need to come to an end, she remarked. She further disclosed that the couple sells every artwork they produce for this business and that they make sure to produce something creative every day. The artist enjoys a new project, she says “ the more difficult it is, the more enjoyable it is to work with”.
In addition, the company opened a school where people can learn to create art through drawing and painting. Kaai mentioned that they accept people from the age of eight and up. The course lasts six months, and at the end, students receive a certificate. “We also teach our students how to start businesses with art, negotiate with clients, and build their portfolios in order to get jobs,” she adds.
The biggest issue, the artist noted while describing the difficulties, is the nation’s lack of appreciation for artists. She lamented, “We are not appreciated enough; some artists are just selling for whatever money they can get and losing the worth of their work.” She went on to remark that while art is expensive—it is among the more expensive university courses, and equipment is pricey—many individuals don’t realize this and end up breaking even.
Her biggest dream is to establish their art school as the largest in the country while selling art on an international market. She continued by saying, “Today’s youth is full of artists; all they need is mentorship.
Art is therapy
BY: LITEBOHO LETLATSA
Maliepollo Naomi Motebang also known as Kaai quoted Pablo Picasso when talking about art – “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once one grows up”. The Young Mosotho artist specializes mainly in string art, but she also creates other sorts of art, such as paintings and sketches.
She described string art as a type of art wherein different coloured thread is woven around hammered nails that have been arranged in a specific pattern on a wooden board. The artist learned string art at the British International School in New Delhi, India.
She stated, “I chose string art because already there are many people who paint and sketch, therefore I wanted to be unique and bring something fresh to the country. The artist revealed that she eventually took the business of selling art seriously in 2017 and carefully trained for two years before starting to sell in 2019.
Kaai declared that she feels incredibly honoured to be able to make a living by doing what she loves. “Some people work for something they hate and turn into zombies in the process. The idea of working in an office has never appealed to me,” said she. She continued by saying that it does not feel like a job because it gives her the flexibility to do as she feels good. She sees art as therapy since it allows her to express any emotion, and different colours create innumerable moods.
Kaai highlighted that Letele Motebang, her husband, is also an artist. The two of them used their skills to start their business, Khutlo Arts. The artist highlighted that the word Khutlo, which means full stop, suggested that everything needs to stop so that one can start afresh. It doesn’t just apply to terrible situations; even happy moments need to come to an end, she remarked. She further disclosed that the couple sells every artwork they produce for this business and that they make sure to produce something creative every day. The artist enjoys a new project, she says “ the more difficult it is, the more enjoyable it is to work with”.
In addition, the company opened a school where people can learn to create art through drawing and painting. Kaai mentioned that they accept people from the age of eight and up. The course lasts six months, and at the end, students receive a certificate. “We also teach our students how to start businesses with art, negotiate with clients, and build their portfolios in order to get jobs,” she adds.
The biggest issue, the artist noted while describing the difficulties, is the nation’s lack of appreciation for artists. She lamented, “We are not appreciated enough; some artists are just selling for whatever money they can get and losing the worth of their work.” She went on to remark that while art is expensive—it is among the more expensive university courses, and equipment is pricey—many individuals don’t realize this and end up breaking even.
Her biggest dream is to establish their art school as the largest in the country while selling art on an international market. She continued by saying, “Today’s youth is full of artists; all they need is mentorship.