WHAT was just one of the subjects 20-year-old Nicole Thomas had to do at high school has turned out to be her calling from a tender age.
Thomas, who has accepted that art is her God-given talent, is now busy honing her gift to turn herself into a professional artist.
Artists in Zimbabwe have largely been free agents who take their craft as a hobby because of the poor income one earns from the craft. However, the advent of the internet that has afforded artists access to share their art globally, has seen local artists realising improved fortunes.
Thomas told NewsDay Life & Style that she started pursuing her passion and taking it seriously at Irene Christian College where she was the only student studying art.
“I actually didn’t mind doing art alone because it meant less distractions and a one-on-one with the teacher, which was very helpful to improve my skills.”
“Art is my God-given gift. At first art was just a subject I took for my A-Level then as time went on I learnt to appreciate the gift,” said Thomas. “Since I was the only art student I had to learn to draw portraits by looking at my reflection in a mirror and since then I find it easier to draw my face.”
The majority of her art pieces, which she has shared across her social media pages, are of herself. However, she explained: “I am learning to step out of my comfort zone and draw other people. I am also trying to diversify my skills into using different kinds of mediums like acrylic, oil paints and gouache to mention a few.”
With support from her family, Thomas is confident about her future in the arts industry.
- For Thomas, art is in her element
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“My parents and my siblings have been the most supportive throughout this journey. They’ve supported me by showing interest in my art by, for example, sitting with me while I do my art and actually engaging in conversation about my art process. Also allowing me to study art is the biggest support they’ve given me,” she said.
Currently she is pursuing a qualification in graphic designing at Vega School, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Thomas said she looked up to Polina Bright, Jay R Creatives and Dominic Beyeler as role models.
But her inspiration to pursue art is something which never ceases to amaze her.
“What inspires and influences both my artwork and myself is still a mystery to me; all I know is I find fascination in how I can actually illustrate realism on a piece of paper.” said Thomas.
Thomas said she had not yet started selling her pieces because she felt there was still room for improvement.
“I hope I will be able to make a career out of the graphic design skills and my fine art skills.”
She added: “I’m also a freelance make-up artist and a beauty creator on both Instagram and TikTok. My accounts are my digital portfolio for my passion for makeup and beauty, mainly posting make-up tutorials and some of the make-up looks I’ve done. I’m also hoping to become a professional make-up artist.”
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