Hi Vaccie Star, Meet Zanele Khumalo
I hold the following qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fine Arts
Postgraduate Diploma in Art Education
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with a focus on contemporary visual art practices and curating.
About me
I am a passionate visual artist with a deep love for exploring the intersection between art, culture, and identity. My work spans various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media, often reflecting on social issues, heritage, and self-expression. Art has always been a way for me to tell stories and challenge perceptions, and I believe in its power to spark conversation and provoke thought.
Outside of my artistic practice, I’m also dedicated to art education. I enjoy sharing my skills and knowledge with others, whether through workshops, exhibitions, or one-on-one mentorship. I believe that art is not just about creating—it’s about engaging with the world around us and finding ways to express what we feel and think.
When I’m not in the studio, I love to travel, visit art galleries, and connect with fellow artists to learn about new techniques and trends in the art world. My goal as an artist and mentor is to inspire creativity in others and to use my platform to help people express their unique voices through art.
My career journey
My career in the arts began in high school, where I discovered my passion for drawing and painting. With the support of a wonderful teacher, I was encouraged to explore art further and decided to pursue it professionally. I went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, where I experimented with different artistic mediums and developed my own style, focusing on themes like social issues, heritage, and cultural identity.
After my undergraduate degree, I pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Art Education to share my knowledge and foster creativity in others. This led me to teach and mentor students, which was incredibly fulfilling. I also completed a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), diving deeper into contemporary visual art and art curation. During this time, I had the opportunity to curate exhibitions and engage with the art world on a larger scale.
Today, I am a practicing visual artist, educator, and mentor, helping others discover their creative potential. I am passionate about using art to spark conversation, challenge norms, and empower the next generation of artists to find their own voices.
My mentorship approach
My mentorship approach is rooted in encouraging self-expression and fostering creative confidence. I believe that art is a deeply personal journey, and each mentee has a unique voice and perspective that should be celebrated. Here’s how I approach mentorship:
Understanding the Mentee’s Goals: I begin by getting to know my mentee’s interests, artistic aspirations, and areas where they feel they need support. Whether they are interested in mastering certain techniques, developing their style, or exploring new mediums, I tailor my guidance to their specific goals.
Nurturing Creativity: I emphasize the importance of exploration in art. I encourage my mentees to experiment with different materials, styles, and concepts. Through this hands-on approach, they learn to embrace their creative process and discover what truly resonates with them.
Providing Constructive Feedback: I offer regular feedback that focuses not only on technical skills but also on the emotional and conceptual aspects of their work. I encourage mentees to view their art as a conversation with the world and help them refine their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
Fostering Confidence: I believe that building confidence is crucial for any artist. I encourage my mentees to take risks, trust their instincts, and not be afraid to make mistakes. Every step of the creative process is valuable, and mistakes are often the greatest teachers.
Exploring the Broader Art World: I guide my mentees to understand the context in which their art exists—whether that’s in the wider art world, society, or culture. I encourage them to engage with other artists, visit galleries, and learn about different art movements and histories.
Building a Supportive Community: I strive to create a space where mentees feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment. Art is a personal journey, but it’s also a shared experience. I encourage collaboration, discussion, and openness, helping my mentees feel supported by a community of like-minded individuals.
In essence, my mentorship is about empowering mentees to trust their creative instincts, experiment freely, and develop their own artistic voice while building the confidence to share their work with the world.
My mentorship preference
I prefer mentoring university students and emerging artists who are eager to develop their own unique style and navigate the challenges of the art world. I enjoy guiding those who are starting to explore their artistic careers and helping them build confidence in their craft.
However, I am also open to mentoring high school learners with a strong passion for art, particularly those who are considering pursuing the arts professionally. I believe it’s important to provide early guidance to help them make informed decisions about their future careers in the creative industry.
Ultimately, I’m flexible and happy to mentor at various stages of an artist’s journey, as long as the mentee is committed to learning and growing in their craft.
My availability
I am available for mentorship during the following times:
Weekdays: 6 PM to 8 PM
Saturdays: 10 AM to 1 PM
Sundays: Flexible, by arrangement
I understand that everyone has different schedules, so I’m open to adjusting these times as needed to accommodate my mentees
Why I want to be a mentor
I signed up to be a mentor because I am passionate about helping others discover their creative potential and navigate the challenges of the art world. Throughout my own journey, I’ve received valuable guidance from mentors, and I want to pay that forward by providing support and encouragement to emerging artists.
Mentorship allows me to share my experiences, skills, and insights with others, while also learning from their unique perspectives. I find great fulfillment in helping my mentees build confidence in their work, explore new techniques, and develop their artistic voice. By becoming a mentor, I hope to inspire the next generation of artists and contribute to the growth of the arts community.