- In 2017, a friend, who noticed his unique way of capturing moments and telling stories, advised him to join an art school
- His first pay was a Sh13,000 cheque he received after selling a pencil art of traditional drums to investors
Image: HANDOUT
Art is considered as a beautiful expression of life and the world through music, drawings, pottery and other creative works.
For Fidelis Kyalo, 28, art is not just a way of expression, but a livelihood that has kept his family afloat for three years.
Kyalo who operates from Kisumu county and Oyugis town in Homa Bay, says he started drawing as a leisure activity at the age of seven.
When his dream to join the Kenya Defense Forces failed to materialise, he turned to odd jobs but continued to draw.
“After high school, I wanted to join the army but I developed cold feet. I later started doing side hustles at construction sites and later got employed at a greenhouse,” Kyalo says.
In 2017, a friend, who noticed his unique way of capturing moments and telling stories, advised him to join an art school.
“He told me that I had was raw talent, which could be polished and turned into a career in an art school,” he says.
Kyalo discussed his interest to join art school with his step mother, whom he describes as an understanding and open minded woman.
Luckily for him, she took the matter seriously and he was admitted into Mwangaza Art School in Kisumu.
“My step mother understood me better than my father. All she asked for were some art pieces I had done and was impressed by them. I joined Mwangaza Art School in January 2018, ,” Kyalo says.
During his four year course, he learnt the complexity of art and gained new skills.
Some of the new forms of art he learnt include, sculpture making, pottery, jewelry making, interior home decorations and canvas painting.
“If I had not joined the art school, I wouldn't have gained the new skills,” Kyalo says.
His first pay was a Sh13,000 cheque he received after selling a pencil art of traditional drums to investors.
The investors had visited the school during a graduation preparation meeting.
Kyalo says he used the money to open a thrift male wear shop that sells sweat pants, printed shirts, hoodies and head capes.
“After I received the cheque, I discussed with my wife extensively on how to spend it. She suggested that we open the shop and with only Sh11,000, we launched the ‘SMART MAN' shop in Kisumu,” he says.
Kyalo also makes beaded jewelry, pots, vases, interior home decorations and canvas art.
He says he also receives contracts to paint corporate buildings, homes and schools.
“I made Sh6,000 from my first school contract. Today, I make up to Sh20,000 from these contracts,” Kyalo said.
His good work has earned him recommendations even from outside the city.
Kyalo says his biggest challenge is art materials.
“They are costly and their availability in local stores is limited. I struggle with clients who do not understand how costly it can be to make a decent art piece,” he says.
The artist hopes to expand his skills and join a film school in future.
“In the meantime, I hope to have my work featured in books, magazines and newspapers," he says.
He hopes that the Competency Based Curriculum will provide opportunities for talented pupils to explore and nurture their talents.
“Grind hard on both your studies and talent. Not only corporate jobs pay these days, work on your talent, it might help too,” Kyalo says.