Concerned with the increase in waste plastics in the environment, young artist Chisomo Lifa has resorted to using the plastics to create animal sculptures.
In an interview, the artist said though he has always been a visual artist, he used to use pencil and pens only.
”After finalizing my secondary education and had no luck getting into college, i needed something to bring in money. The environment is choking with too many plastics i saw an opportunity,” he said.
Lifa said he figured out that he could use plastics to create unique artworks which he could sell and earn a living.
”I then taught myself to use these wastes plastics and come up with artworks such as elephants sculptures,” he said.
The young artist said he also chose animal sculptures to teach the young generation about the environment and wild animals that are under threat at an alarming rate.
Lifa said it is, however disheartening to notice that Malawians do not embrace art and rarely buy artworks fro their homes and offices.
”During exhibitions, many Malawians just admire our artworks, but rarely buy. I wish more Malawians embraced art which not only benefits their homes, but also the environment,” he said.
In a separate interview, Association of Environmental Journalists president Mathews Malata said as journalist who promote the protection of environment applauded the development.
”There is a growing trend in which people are re-purposing waste materials to create new products, which is known as upcycling. I think it is a positive development which the creative industry is championing,” he said.
Malata said the upscalling concepts not only helps to absorb waste from livers, storm drains, and dumpsites, but also creates opportunities for young people.
”A woman from Likuni[in Lilongwe] has been making flower vases out of used beer cans, bottles, and plastics, and i have met a few other Malawians doing the same,” he said.
Malata said the association, their duty is to help Malawians understand the sustainability of these products and support these innovations to sustain their efforts.
”I hope that by writing about their work on regular basis, we will be able to connect them with organisations or people who might be interested in their work.
Malata called on creatives who are into upcycling to the National Economic Empowerment Fund and the National Environmental Fund to support their innovations.
”My advice to them is to let them work in groups, get organised, share knowledge and expertise, and create a more vibrant industry, its up to them really,” he said.
Source: The Nation_April 12, 2022_By Edith Gondwe-Staff Writer