Multi-talented Hwange designer aims for the stars  

BY NOTHANDO DUBE

Hwange-based graphic designer and creative artist Laina Zimhungu is aiming for the stars in the arts industry by pursuing her goals as a designer, painter and photographer.

The 27-year-old, who grew up in the Colliery, began her arts journey as a hobby at high school before studying the craft at tertiary level.

Zimhungu (LZ) shared her journey with our reporter Nothando Dube(ND) in a wide ranging interview.

Below are excerpts from the interview

ND: Please tell us briefly, who is Laina Zimhungu?

LZ: Laina Zimhungu is a 27 year old female, who was born in Kadoma and raised in Hwange.

She did her primary education at Coalfields School and proceeded to Monte Casino Girls High in Macheke.

She graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Creative Art and Design at Chinhoyi University of Technology.

ND: How can you describe your art?

LZ: I do creative art and design ranging from painting, graphic design, photography, filming and video, three dimensional design and advertising.

ND: When did you realise you can do creative art and design?

What would you say marked the beginning of your arts career?

LZ: It started as a hobby in high school where I was a member of the craft club and my teachers and fellow club members were amazed by my projects.

The support I got from my teachers inspired me to turn my talent into a production.

And so I chose to study art at degree level to polish up my skills.

I did commercials at high school such that it would have been expected of me to do a business degree , but my teachers encouraged me that if I present my works to the school of art they will find reason for me to work on my talent and learn the skills I require to be a professional artist, to which they gave me an opportunity.

ND: Can you tell us about recent achievements, in terms of awards?

LZ: I have a second class degree in art and design achieved in 2017.

I do not have any other awards, but I do have some major works that I did for the community in 2018.

Coalfields Primary School asked me to paint a backdrop painting for their school play which they used for two years.

I designed a logo for a local company called ‘Go Soft’ in 2019 and family calendars in the same year.

I also have photographs of the natural environment that I have shared in appreciation.

ND: What targets have you set for yourself in this competition?

LZ: I am hoping to be identified by the community and have my trademark noticed so that they may approach me for some creative works to be produced for them.

ND: What challenges do you face as an artist based outside big cities where there is a potentially bigger market and access to sponsors?

LZ: My major challenge is that I do not have a full time job and because of this I have monetary challenges to source materials I require to maintain a steady-hand in running my projects.

A bigger market is most likely not to be happy with an artist who is available in one month and then unreachable in the following month.

ND: What targets have you set yourself as an artist?

LZ: I am hoping to at least have started as a stable photographer by the end of the year and to be a distinctive graphic designer by the following year.

ND: Where can people find your art?

LZ: I do not have a platform on which I have ever posted my work. I haven’t had any live perfomance since 2017 when I had a three day art exhibition in Hwange.

However, I have taken photographs for family and friends at weddings and parties.

ND: Who is your inspiration?

LZ: My inspiration is Ms Silonda who is an artist based in Bulawayo. I met her 2015 at a school tour.

In 2016 I worked with her as my mentor during my attachment period.

After graduating in 2018 I signed a contract at the museum she was working at for further hands -on tutoring.

I am still in constant contact with her as she motivates me and my works.

She is a great artist.

She worked as a senior exhibitions officer at the Natural History museum in Bulawayo as well as the Khami site museum.

ND: Besides creative art and designer, what else do you do to earn a living?

LZ: Currently, Iam being taken care of by my parents.

However, Iam studying for a post -graduate diploma in education at the Zimbabwe Open University.

My aim is to be an art teacher.

From my teaching practice I learnt that teaching art is a good job.

With this I plan on using the funds to invest into my creative career.