While the description might be mistaken to imply a very simple procedure, the art demands serious expertise and a visit to Unendoro Archives in Southerton would reveal that this unique art needs a high level of creativity.
It is not surprising then that the Southerton community is still trying to understand Steven Ngulube who runs the arts hub although he began doing decoupage more than 30 years ago.
The 56-year-old artist has turned his house into a fascinating arts assemblage and his form of art has attracted people from various parts of the country and beyond.
The retired teacher admits that many people do not understand his art, but appreciation from various visitors to his place has inspired him to cling to his art for decades.
“I tried to approach one gallery with my art, but they did not understand it. I wanted to exhibit, but they turned my proposal down. It is a complicated art that needs serious art followers,” said Ngulube.
“However, those that have learnt about my art from the media have visited me and encouraged me to keep doing the art. It is from my heart and I would not have stopped even if no one appreciated it. I now have about eight visitors per day and I am proud of my personal gallery.”
He said his pieces portrayed a message of peace, unity and love.
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Baobab fruits and dry pumpkins with exquisite designs neatly hang on the walls while boards with various newspaper cuttings trace important historical events.
“Besides being an artist, I am a historian and archivist. I love keeping track of topical issues in the community. All these boards tell history. You can see the inauguration of President Mugabe as Prime Minister in 1980 and you can also see the release of Nelson Mandela from prison on that other board.”Ngulube has several books, in which headlines of all local newspapers since 1979 are recorded.
After retiring from teaching on health grounds in 2008, the artist says he has focused on art thoroughly while he is also writing education books that, he says, will be published in bulk in a few years to come.
He says he takes seven days to make each decoupage piece since the art requires ultimate precision. He learnt the art at Mogenster Teachers’ College and did it as a pastime activity when he was still teaching.
He taught in Harare, Masvingo, Norton and Mhondoro, among other places. His two sons used to help him assemble his arts “tool” when they were still young, but he now does everything on his own.
He sees his house gallery as a place of therapeutic significance. “If you come here depressed and go around viewing the art pieces and historical preserves, you will obviously go out relieved and refreshed,” he said.
