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Crafts that empower, uplift and inspire.

Meet Clayton Mpetiwa – January Artist of the Month

MEET CLAYTON MPETIWA

Clayton Mpetiwa

The Woza Moya Artists’ Wall would like to thank the 100% Foundation for their continued support and sponsorship, which makes this monthly event possible:

Clayton Mpetiwa’s journey into the world of art is a story of resilience, passion, and creativity. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Clayton faced financial challenges growing up. Despite the hardships, his artistic talent was evident from an early age. In primary school, his gift for drawing was recognised, and he was often given creative tasks. These experiences planted the seeds of his passion

for art. Seeking better opportunities, Clayton moved to South Africa, where he initially worked as a truck driver. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected changes; he was retrenched from his job. This setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed him to reconnect with his long-standing love for art.

Clayton’s artistic journey truly began to flourish when he started creating unique pieces and sharing them with local crafters. Inspired and encouraged by sculptor Tafi Aartz, who ‘makes something out of nothing’, he decided to pursue art more consistently and eventually commercialized his work. Partnering with Woza Moya provided him with a platform to showcase his talent and gain recognition as an emerging artist.

Inspiration and Creative Process

Clayton finds inspiration in his surroundings, paying close attention to the details of everyday life. Something as simple as watching television or observing the world sparks his creativity. He believes that art exists everywhere, it just requires a keen eye to see it. Describing his creative process as “pretty simple,” Clayton starts by observing an image and then reimagines it through his art. He thrives on challenging himself to recreate unique shapes and designs, finding fulfilment in bringing these visions to life. His commitment to originality and individuality is evident in his work, as he strives to create art that stands out in the market. One of his signature creations, the owl, see image on the left side above,  holds a special place in his artistic journey. He first crafted this owl in 2014 for a client from Cape Town who continued to request more. Over time, Clayton sharpened his skills and mastered the intricacies of the design, blending his passion and experience into each piece.

Future Goals 

Clayton dreams of growing as an artist and making a lasting impact on others through his work. He hopes his art inspires people to embrace individuality and see the beauty in uniqueness. While he currently balances part-time truck driving with his art, he envisions a future where his creative pursuits take center stage.

For Clayton, art is not just a career; it’s a way of life – a fulfilling journey that continues to evolve. With each piece he creates, he aims to challenge himself, inspire others, and contribute to the vibrant world of art. Here is a link to access more of his work, Afrisan handmades on facebook. https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088940062970

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