The Passionate Visual Artist
CW magazine caught up with Shakawe native, Timothy Dike who is currently based in Kasane as a full time visual artist. According to Timothy, his art has improved and he is happy about his journey so far. With his business operating under the name Big Tim Arts at Kasane, this is what Timothy said in the interview:
When did you start doing art?
I started being creative when I was a kid back home in Nxomokao. Although all the years of schooling I wasn’t into painting, I realized my talent in 2017 when I was hustling life in Gaborone and I quit everything for art. Since then I have been painting and drawing to put bread on the table. I use a pencil, pen, oil paint, and acrylic paint.
How is the business doing since you started it?
As we all know, in business sometimes you are up sometimes you are down. I learned to grow through every challenge I pass through. So far am happy about the brand Big Tim Arts even though I still need more canvases, brushes and paint to get ready for 2021.
How do you reach your customers?
I use social media most of the time to reach my clients and to showcase my artworks so that they can be viewed by potential customers. I also do street art, i.e. setting a stall where there is easy movement of people.
What else keeps you busy besides art?
I am a full time visual artist and I also do modeling as a part time job.
How many artworks have you sold so far?
I sold more than fifteen pieces, both locally and internationally.
When was your first exhibition?
There was a competition last year at “American On The Move, Art in times of Corona.” It was open for all creative artists across Botswana and I got position 2.
What do you call this type of art?
Visual art
Are u doing art as a passion or just for money?
Art has been my passion since day one on earth, the rest will follow.
What are your last words to other young artists hoping to make it in the art industry?
In this world we are living, people might forget what you said but they will never forget your good mark and how you made them feel through your passion, calling or talent. My point is, as an artist you might not change the world, but you must paint or create more works to spark the brain that will change the world.
Duncan Sebeso