Willard Bopoto

Willard is one of Guruve's most popular artists. He combines organic fluid abstract forms with amazing locally-sourced stones, which are full of fascinating colour and texture. Unlike most aspiring young artists in Zimbabwe, he has remained in his rural home area (kumusha) rather than coming to the big city to chase patronage. This keeps him close to his raw materials, and to the natural world, but it all keeps him rooted in traditional Shona society, with all its customs and beliefs. This happy combination of inspiration shines through in his work. As a young child, Willard's favourite lessons were art and craft. In the area of northern Zimbabwe where he was born and grew up, there are rich serpentine deposits, and Willard spent much of his childhood experimenting in stone sculpture. When he was ten years old, he sold a sculpture to an American customer of neighbouring artist Brighton Sango. This put him “in the mind of art” as a career, since his father had also been a skilled artist. At secondary school, Willard’s passion for art continued unabated. Another American customer bought some pieces, which reinforced his self-belief; so, when he left school, he began sculpting full-time. “In my opinion, loving a hobby is the precondition for any positive development. If you like doing [something] and you do it well, then continue doing it for the rest of your life.”