SEBOKENG. – From the streets of a township popularly known as ‘PS’, Palm Springs’ self-taught artist, Thabang Phiri (23) knew form an early age that his love was in the arts.

Although he could not afford to attend art schools, he did not let that stop him from pursuing his goals as he worked hard and put more effort and hard work, practicing every day and night to learn more about the arts. Through watching YouTube tutorials and art programs, Phiri perfected his skill.

“Today I can use a paint, charcoal, graphite pencil, colour pencils, oil and soft pastel and pen on different paper sizes.”

So far Phiri has done paintings of SA celebrities such as Emtee, Qmark, Skroef28, Bongza, Dj Jaivane and Johny Bravo. He has also gone for three art exhibitions in Cape Town.

“What inspires me to keep putting more focus and hard work on my talent is that I want to make changes at home and help upcoming artist to improve through opening my art studio one day so that they can attend classes and teach them more about Art,” Phiri said.

As a visual artist, Phiri said that he looks u to his mentor, Fhatuwani Mukheli who helped him to have his own art style, mastering different art materials and marketing techniques.

“My advice to the youth that are chasing their goals out there is that, I know it is hard, but be strong because it does not matter where you come from, if you have skill and knowledge you need to keep focused and believe in God.”