Covid wont keep Centurion artist back
“I was inspired by a peacock. I am like that peacock and I need to fly. Don't lock me up," the local artist said about his lockdown artwork.
A local artist at Railways Cafe in Irene is using colourful creations to inspire during the lockdown.
Shame Chayambuka, better known as Sam, believes nothing will keep him from his art – not even Covid-19.
Sam was born in 1975 in Chivhu in Zimbabwe and his love for art was kick
-started in his early childhood at the Mudonzvo primary school.
Besides that, Sam has no formal art training and is mostly self-taught.
During lockdown, Sam painted his biggest and brightest painting yet, namely a peacock painting against a wall at the cafe.
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“I was inspired by a peacock. I am like that peacock and I need to fly. Don’t lock me up,” Sam said about the mural.
Railways Cafe owner Tania Bryant said the cafe was established with assistance from the Makers Foundation as a pilot project for Makers Villages and has successfully sustained many local artists and small entrepreneurs during the last 10 years.
Although Sam has a house in Hammanskraal, he is currently a resident at the village.
“The village works on word of mouth and about seven years ago, Sam came here to show us his art; and he has been here ever since, he has never left.”
Bryant describes Sam as a very respectful and quiet person.
“He doesn’t talk much, but he speaks through his art.
“He is so versatile in his style. You can give him anything to paint.”
Bryant said what makes Sam so special is unlike other artist, he has no problem to try out different styles to accommodate the client.
“In today’s day and age, you need to be a versatile artist if you want to make money. You need to be able to work according to the client’s specifications and not just to your own preferences. He understands difference between art and business.”
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Sam has done anything from wall murals to funky 3D paintings such as the iconic Marmite Bottle table at Railways Cafe.
“He is an inspiration to many other artists and people. He never gives up, even during trying times such as the lockdown.”
She said Sam never give up on any project and is up for any task.
“Whether he has one or fifty pieces to complete or create, he will do best of his ability.”
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