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Inspiring stories from the artists at the Newlands Craft Market - Page 3
Thandi Mpofu, Kubatana.net
November 09, 2010

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Faustina Rugodo (Mai Kaseke) - Sculptor: Paper Mache
Year of birth: 1968
Cell Phone Number: + 263-733-876232 or +263-773-477994

She prefers to be referred to as Mai Kaseke (Mrs. Kaseke), which is a reflection of her deep-set regard for her family and her role as a wife and mother. The work of creating and selling paper mache sculptures is not easy. Mai Kaseke has to wake up early everyday to begin her job. She often finds it difficult to get the raw materials to make the frames and mounting boards for her pieces. Frequent electricity outages also plague her. She is then forced to use fire to dry her finished products and buying firewood is quite expensive. Mai Kaseke has also been struggling to get a passport so that she can travel outside the country to sell her crafts. In the face of these difficulties she remains resolute because her sacrifices for her family's well being are worth it.

Charlie Mutumbe - Sculptor: Stone and Wood
Year of birth: 18 March 1978
Cell Phone Number: +263-772-743502 or +263-772-114103

Because the art of sculpting is a talent that runs in Charlie's family, he is not sure if he chose the craft or whether the craft chose him. However, what he is certain of is his love for his work. He believes that his skills can always be improved and hopes that he can one day get better machinery and establish his own workshop where he can develop as a sculptor. Charlie also respects the great talent of his peers, many of whom inspire him to create better work. He hopes that the Zimbabwean economy can improve so that all craftsmen can find buyers for their work and attain a better standard of living.

James Suraji - Sculptor: Metal and Stone
Email Address: jamessuraji@yahoo.com
Cell Phone Number: +263-733816451

James aspires to become a world-renowned sculptor. He dreams of creating a masterpiece that he can donate to the country as a national treasure. Although James comes from a family of sculptors, while he was growing up he never wanted anything to do with sculpting. He had ambitions to be a musician or a plumber. However, his family needed his support financially and he was forced to join the family trade. His love for the art form gradually grew over time. Now he works with his brothers and uses his Internet savvy to promote their business and earn a living for the family.

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