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Ronnie’s sharp pencil redefined Eswatini’s portraiture!
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Step into the mesmerizing world of artistry with Ronnie Dlalapencil, the visionary artist wielding a pencil like no other.
Eswatini Financial Times: Can you tell us about yourself?
Ronnie Ndzimandze: My name is Ronnie Ndzimandze, though many people recognize me by my artistic alias, Dlalapencil. I am a young man hailing from the low veld of Eswatini, specifically in the Lubombo region. To be more precise, my roots are planted in Mpolonjeni, which falls under the Shoba Umphakatsi. My educational journey began at Enhlabeni Primary School, where I laid the foundation for my academic pursuits. I then continued to Lasi High School, where I completed my Junior Certificate.
Eswatini Financial Times: Tell us more about your art and perhaps your style.
Ronnie Ndzimandze: As a fine artist, my creative toolkit is unique. I primarily work with pencils, cotton, tissue, and makeup brushes to blend pencil powder on paper. This approach allows me to achieve a remarkable softness in my shading, which is essential to the depth and nuance of my portraits. What makes my journey even more intriguing is that I never received formal art education. Neither my primary nor high schools offered art lessons as part of their curriculum, so I had to forge my path in the art world.
To hone my skills and develop my technique, I turned to YouTube, immersing myself in tutorials from some of the most talented artists around the globe. Through these resources, I learned invaluable tips and tricks that have helped me refine my craft. My focus primarily lies in creating custom portraits based on my client’s requests, and currently, I deliver my work locally. However, my aspirations extend beyond local recognition. My long-term goal is to gain international visibility.
Eswatini Financial Times: What is your definition of art?
Ronnie Ndzimandze: Art is a diverse range of human activities creating visual, auditory, or performance artefacts expressing the creator’s imagination, conceptual ideas, or technical skill, intended to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power. It can take many forms, including painting, sculpture, music, literature, dance, film, photography, and more. Art can evoke emotions, provoke thought, challenge conventions, and inspire creativity. In my own opinion, art is just an expression of thought and ideas and portrays a message especially. It is not only limited to using pencils, but it also incorporates other mediums.Â
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Eswatini Financial Times: What inspired you to do art?
Ronnie Ndzimandze: My inspiration to pursue art stems from a deep desire for artistic growth that transcends the superficial markers of success, such as fame, the number of clients, or financial gain. For me, the true measure of growth lies not in external accolades, but rather in the transformation I undergo throughout my creative journey. It’s about the person I become in the process of creating—embracing both challenges and triumphs that shape my artistic identity.
While I certainly appreciate the value of financial stability and the recognition that comes with popularity, I believe these factors should not be the sole indicators of my development as an artist. My passion for art drives me to focus on the intrinsic rewards of the craft. I understand that mastery comes with time and dedication and that the road to improvement is paved with consistent practice and exploration.
Eswatini Financial Times: Please tell us about the exhibitions you have participated in.
Ronnie Ndzimandze: I may not have explored many art exhibitions yet, but I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in these creative spaces. Such events not only offer opportunities for recognition and support but also serve as portals to a world of inspiration and innovation from fellow artists. Embracing exhibitions opens doors to new ideas, diverse perspectives, and endless possibilities in the colourful tapestry of artistry.
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Eswatini Financial Times: How do you make money out of your craft?
Ronnie Ndzimandze: I sustain my passion by offering a unique artistic service – meticulously crafting portraits that capture the essence of individuals’ loved ones. Clients entrust me with the task of immortalizing cherished memories on paper, and they compensate me for my labour with payment upon completion. This symbiotic relationship not only supports my craft but also allows me to weave meaningful connections through the strokes of my pencil.
Eswatini Financial Times: Who do you look up to and why?
Ronnie Ndzimandze: I find it challenging to focus on just one artist when it comes to my artistic inspirations. Highlighting a single individual feels somewhat restrictive, as I have come to realize that my creative journey is shaped by a blend of influences drawn from various artists. Each one contributes a unique element to my evolving style, allowing me to pick and choose aspects that resonate with me.
Take Lwazi Tsela, for example; his work captivates me with its intricate details and distinctive style. Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that there are many talented artists in our local scene whose contributions are equally inspiring. The list of names is extensive, and it’s difficult to do justice to all of them by singling out a few.
Eswatini Financial Times: What is your career highlight?
Ronnie Ndzimandze: To be completely transparent, I must admit that my journey in the realm of art has not been marked by a plethora of significant achievements. I have yet to taste the sweet victory of winning any competitions, and I have not actively participated in any contests that would allow me to showcase my skills and creativity. While I often find joy and fulfilment in the act of creating art, the competitive aspect has remained largely unexplored in my experience. Nonetheless, I continue to nurture my passion for art, hoping that one day I might gather the courage to step into the arena and share my work with a wider audience.
Eswatini Financial Times: Any advice for upcoming artists?
Ronnie Ndzimandze: I have some valuable advice for aspiring artists embarking on their creative journeys. First and foremost, it is essential to embrace the concept of progress in your learning process. Art is a continuous journey, and each step, no matter how small, contributes to your growth. Take the time to delve deeper into the materials you use; understanding their properties and potential can elevate your work in unexpected ways. Additionally, I highly recommend exploring the vast array of tutorials available on platforms like YouTube.
