Fish species inspire stone sculptor

By The Standard and Newsday | Mar. 23, 2022 | 2 Min read

Chijumane, who was born in an artistic family, told NewsDay Life & Style that although he was taught basket weaving by his parents at a tender age, he later found stone carving more appealing.

BY TENDAI SAUTA CHITUNGWIZA Arts Centre stone sculptor Edmore Chijumane said his works were inspired by diverse fish species.

Chijumane, who was born in an artistic family, told NewsDay Life & Style that although he was taught basket weaving by his parents at a tender age, he later found stone carving more appealing.

His artifacts, that have been showcased at international exhibitions, comprise highly-detailed statutes of different fish species such as bottle, tiger, bream, shark and sardine.

“I carve images of fish on butter jade, lapido lite, verdite, fruit serpentine, spring stone, red jasper and agate stones. I like reproducing bottle fish, red bream and sharks,” he said.

“From my research I have learnt about fish. Fish live and work as a united family and are highly reactive to any phenomenon in unison.”

Chijumane said challenges have not spared him in his line of work.

“As an artist I face a lot of challenges that include, but are not limited to raw materials. The stones we use are found in different parts of the country, and as Chitungwiza Arts Centre I wish if we could unite like fish and get a vehicle to transport raw materials to the centre conveniently,” he said.

Chijumane said art was a profession that talented youths should consider pursuing.

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“Some of the youths out there have their talents in art, but they are yet to realise them. I urge those with an interest in art to chase their dreams,” he said.

He showcased his artwork at several international exhibitions.

“My work was part of a group exhibition titled Dialogue in Stone that was organised by Talking Stones Gallery and held at the Centre Island, Toronto, Canada in 2006,” he said.

“In that same year, I was also part of a group exhibition held in Delaware, Pennsylvania, United States of America. The exhibition also featured the likes of Dominic Benhura and Richard Mteki.”