Living On Proceeds From Arts Is Doable – Nyangulu

That earning a living from proceeds of arts is doable and one Lyson Caleb Nyangulu, can testify.

He started it as a hobby but he has since transformed his inborn talent, into a meaningful business, Nyangulu eats from arts, pay bills from its proceeds, painting of whatever category and he feeds himself from it.

Get him at his base in Zolozolo Township in Mzuzu City and you will appreciate the talent that if properly recognized by authorities would go a long way to prove that Malawi has real aptitude in arts.

In an interview with VOMI NEWS, Nyangulu said much of his works are in form of portraits which he does using pencils and good papers.

“This art is not that difficult, I only use a pencil provided with good papers. I started this art at a younger age when I was doing my secondary education at Mzimba Secondary School and later I continued as I was at Mzuzu Technical College,” he said, however disclosing that he has never gone for any formal training in any arts discipline.

He also revealed that he was also inspired by Junior Stonia Chimaliro, who he terms as his arts icon from his childhood days.

One may be asking as to how beneficial is this industry? Nyangulu disclosed that through drawing and painting he earns his living and also financially supports his parents and siblings.

“Every time I do support my relations, especially sending money to my mother who is based in Kafukule Mzimba district,” he said.

His concern however is that many Malawians underrate arts as an industry, a thing he says makes many not to appreciate arts as a talent and a source of reliable income.

“But i can verily say, people live on arts and many have ended up becoming prosperous, because of the same drawings we make. When you produce good drawings there is potential that you make a breakthrough and become a big name in arts even internationally,” said Nyangulu.

Of Course he bemoaned the tendency of many customers who he said demand that they be sold portraits and other works cheaply.

“It is all because many Malawians underrate the value of arts and they think such items don’t deserve the prices we ask for. It is all about mindset but it is high time we change and start valuing arts,” said the young artist urging government to come in and help showcase the impact of arts to the nation.