Glass Artist Redefines Creativity with Upcycled Art
In a small home studio tucked away in the suburbs of Bulawayo an artist Mandisa Nyoni transforms discarded glass and bottles into stunning works of art. Her passion for sustainability and the environment has not only led her to create unique pieces but also inspired her to spread awareness about the possibilities of upcycled art.
Mandisa, a 28-year-old glass artist, discovered her talent for working with glass during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Finding herself in need of a creative outlet, she took an old mirror and imagined it in pieces on a glass canvas, birthing her first artwork that is a beautifully crafted ballerina.
Glass Portraits
“I thought it would be interesting to put that on a plain window glass and then hang it on the wall, making it look like it’s part of the wall,” Mandisa explains.
Initially drawn to creating animal portraits, Mandisa quickly realised that glass had no limitations, and she could bring any image to life using the medium. This newfound realization paved the way for her current focus on creating lifelike portraits of African individuals.
Working with glass proved to be both liberating and challenging for Mandisa. She collects glass from various sources, including glass cutting companies, discarded bottles found on the streets, and even her own neighborhood. By repurposing these materials, she aims to reduce waste and inspire others to see the beauty in overlooked objects.
Youth Recycling
“I find it interesting that I can take damaged and dangerous glass and turn it into art that sends a message,” Mandisa says.
She adds, “Glass is not just dangerous, it can be turned into something amazing and strong, something that will be there for a long time on your wall.”
Through her art, Mandisa hopes to send a powerful message to the youth, emphasising the importance of recycling and reducing waste. “Upcycling can be a form of reducing waste. Creating art can be a form of reducing waste.”
Mandisa’s commitment to sustainability is evident not only in her choice of materials but also in her methodology. She meticulously cleans and stores the collected glass, ensuring that every piece is utilized and transformed into quality artwork.
Global Recognition
The glass artist’s work has gained recognition not only in Zimbabwe but also beyond its borders. Mandisa believes that other artists and creatives should embrace the idea of incorporating recycled materials into their work.
“It’s uplifting when you’re doing something that is not usual. Incorporating recycled materials can open new doors, not only financially but also in terms of personal growth,” she says.
While Mandisai acknowledges the overwhelming amount of discarded glass and bottles in her surroundings, she remains undeterred, focusing on the impact she can make one creation at a time. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to explore their own creative paths, regardless of their age or chosen materials.
Global Influence
As Mandisa’s reputation grows, she intends to promote her work on a global scale and influence more young artists to join the sustainable art movement. By showcasing the beauty and strength of glass art, she aims to change perceptions and demonstrate the potential of upcycled materials.
In conclusion, Mandisa Nyoni, the visionary glass artist, is not only weaving stories through her unique artwork but also advocating for a more sustainable future. Her extraordinary talent showcases the transformative power of recycled materials and encourages others to see potential where others see waste. As Mandisa continues to expand her artistic horizons, she invites the world to join her in redefining creativity and appreciating the beauty of upcycled art.
#News in Bulawayo #News in Zimbabwe Artist Arts BCC Bulawayo Bulawayo City Council Bulawayo Drugs Bulawayo economy Bulawayo industry Bulawayo news Bulawayo Police Bulawayo Water Bulawayo Water Crisis Bulawayo Women entrepreneurship Business Women Community Culture Currency Drug Abuse Drugs Economy Farmer Farmers Farming Informal Sector Informal Traders MSMEs Music News in Bulawayo News in Zimbabwe Police Police in Bulawayo Vendor Vendors water Water Crisis Water Shortage water supply issue Women entrepreneurship ZESA Zimbabwean economy Zimbabwe news Zimbabwe water crisis ZITF ZRP
Join us for all News in Bulawayo and Bulawayo News in Zimbabwe.