4/2020
By Staff Reporter
Kimberley born paper mache artist Dineo Kgotlaetsile is sharing her talent to develop others in the community.
The 30-year-old woman learned the craft from a skills development programme in Galeshewe. The programme started from 2019 it was suspended as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
However, this was a minor setback for passionate Dineo. She took advantage of the break to enhance her skill by learning new techniques. She used the depressing lockdown days to recruit and impart her knowledge to other young people from her community.
Dineo received assistance from the National Arts Council and started Dinny K Arty Crafts Design. Her goal is to assist, women and disabled people in creating extra income and sustaining themselves.
Paper mache is the art of using wet newspapers to mould or design an object, explained Dineo. She has designed African art effects and accessories such as baskets for home décor, these are her specialties. “The baskets that we produce are quite versatile”, said Dineo. She narrated that a teenage girl saw the basket and thought it was a lampshade.
In sharing her skill, Dineo developed a training video, which is in the editing stage, to demonstrate the design process, including the material required to produce the artwork. “This cost-effective process requires meticulous planning and creativity to achieve the desired outcome,” she warned.
To date, Dineo has taught eight people. Her goal is to mentor twenty-five entrepreneurs.
“I want to forge alliances with practitioners from different sectors. This will assist in securing employment in the community,” added the visionary designer.
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