When Jessica Phane Beirao Chacala Vontade picks up a pencil, she does not see herself merely creating art.
She sees herself using a gift entrusted to her by God.
The 29-year-old Mozambican artist, whose talents also extend to event decoration, styling and interior design, believes creativity has been the guiding force throughout her life.
Although she has never received formal training in fine art, her passion for drawing has remained constant since childhood.
"I like to say that it was art that chose me," she says.
"God gave me this gift, and He has allowed me to experience art in different ways."
Born in Lichinga, Niassa Province, Vontade's journey has been shaped by both hardship and hope.
After spending part of her childhood in Tete Province, tragedy struck with the loss of both her parents.
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She later moved to Maputo, Mozambique's capital, where she was raised by her eldest brother, her sister and brother-in-law.
Now married and the mother of one child, Vontade also considers herself blessed with a wider family through her godchildren, one of whom lives with her.
Faith continues to influence both her life and her artistic expression.
A practising Roman Catholic, she says one of her most meaningful works was produced during her parish's 2022 AMDG Arts Festival, which was held under the theme, "To Love and Serve in All Things."
The drawing reflects the Christian values that continue to inspire her work.
Unlike many professional artists, Vontade never studied at an art school.
Instead, she developed her skills through years of practice and curiosity.
"As a child, I simply loved drawing like any other child," she recalls.
"As I grew older, I became interested in fashion illustration because I've always loved fashion."
That creative instinct eventually led her into event decoration, styling and interior design, fields in which she has successfully built a career.
Growing up, however, pursuing art professionally was never encouraged.
"I was always told that art doesn't pay," she says.
"That is why I never followed it as a career."
Even so, she has never abandoned her artistic ambitions.
Instead, she has continued to sharpen her skills while dreaming of greater opportunities.
Her work has already crossed borders.
One of her drawings was exhibited during the Magis World Journey organised by the Society of Jesus in Portugal, exposing her talent to an international audience.
She is also preparing to embark on a cross-border collaboration with Malawian artist Edward Mangape, with a joint project expected to be launched soon.
Although drawing has not yet become a source of income, Vontade hopes to change that in the future through exhibitions and by teaching aspiring artists.
"I want to improve my drawing skills and eventually earn something from my art, whether through exhibitions or by helping others learn to draw," she says.
Among the artists she admires most are Leonardo da Vinci for his remarkable versatility, Andrew Loomis for his timeless teaching methods, and Marcello Barenghi, whose realistic drawings continue to inspire her.
Her artistic interests are not limited to visual art. Vontade is also an active member of her church choir and is learning to play the piano, violin and guitar.
Looking ahead, she plans to organise her first public exhibition. Rather than focusing on commercial success, the exhibition will be a non-profit showcase designed to share her work with the wider community.
For Vontade, success is measured not only by recognition but by remaining faithful to the gift she believes she has received.
As she continues to build her career in design while nurturing her passion for drawing, one thing remains certain: for Jéssica Vontade, art is not simply something she does—it is part of who she is.
- Josiah Mucharowana is a Zimbabwean trained journalist currently living in Pretoria, South Africa. He has contributed articles to various plartforms.
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