Dane Mathendele Armstrong – Artist and Environmentalist
I was born into a family of artists in Swaziland, with artwork and creativity around me all the time. I took it for granted, to be honest, and it also intimidated me. For the longest time I thought I “wasn’t an artist” because I couldn’t really draw or paint. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to explore photography, especially working in the dark room making prints, that I realized that you just have to find your own way forward – your “own voice”. It’s a total cliché, but totally true. I played with photography for many years, and after returning to Swaziland in 2010 I managed to get involved in some creative projects, which lead me and my family on the journey to starting Yebo Gallery, and Yebo ArtReach (the organisation that I run). We had loads of exhibitions, and every time I tried to do something new, something different. I don’t particularly focus on any medium in particular, or any themes. I feel passionately about humour, people, politics and the environment, and I try and merge these things whenever possible. I particularly enjoy working with “found objects” to make artwork or functional items and furniture. Why spend money and time buying new things when there are so many incredible things lying all around us to use and interact with?
I consider myself a total amateur because I generally don’t have a plan, I never studied art and, really, what do I actually know? But, as my good friend Hannah always reminds me, the word amateur literally means “lover of” in its original form. It’s great to make sales with your art sometimes (we all have bills to pay), but it’s even better to enjoy the process. Are we all artists? No, but we could be. It’s just about ignoring your doubts and finding your own way to play.
I founded Yebo ArtReach, a non-profit organisation, in 2012 in order to help spread creativity and play around Eswatini. We work with local artists to run workshops, events, and engage with public art projects, and are currently renovating an old youth centre in Mahlanya where the organisation will be based. I’m also currently doing my Master’s degree in Sustainability and Climate Change studies to further my pursuits and passions in the environmental sector. I will look to merge this with the arts as much as possible – both with the projects we run under ArtReach, as well as my own works as an artist.
You can view Dane’s work online at www.yeboswaziland.com and at Yebo Art Gallery on Mpumalanga Road in Ezulwini.
Artists will find a free resource library and advice at the gallery, art materials also available. Follow us on Facebook.com/yebodesigns