Jonathan Leya
We are please to introduce renowned graphic designer and artist, Jonathan Leya.
Jonathan has graciously created 12 exclusive ink on paper sketches inspired by initiation ceremonies. Evocative, spiritual and yet serene this portraits can find a place in any home.
Tell me a little about yourself…
My interest in art starts way back when I was in primary school - I painted a ship which my teacher liked and selected it to be displayed at the school stand during an agricultural show in Choma, Zambia where I was born. Seeing my work in a public display had a profound effect on me and ignited the love for art...the rest is history. Later I went on to win in national art competitions. Upon completion of secondary school, I meant to study agriculture as I had grown up on a farm, but alas, I studied Graphic Art and Design at the Harare Polytech where I acquired a Higher National Diploma.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
My inspiration is drawn primarily from my immediate environment - I get my ques from what is around me. I have developed a critical eye for my surroundings; so , I am always creating mental compositions, colour matching, photographing etc.
What artists have influenced you the most?
As a graphic designer, I get to work on a wide variety of assignments and in almost all art styles, so I have not been influenced by any single artist or style - we trained in all techniques including ceramics, screen printing, linocuts as well as woodcuts.
What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
In the immediate future, I would like to explore textile design with an African tone - by the way, initially, I was meant to be a Textile Designer studying in Manchester but that fell through.
What are your hopes for African art in the future?
I hope for the future that art is given as much prominence as the sciences in our education system so that artists get equal recognition as their counterpart disciplines.
Follow on Instagram @jonathanleya
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