This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
Meet Robert Chumbi, a 28-year-old artist who has turned his passion into a lucrative business. With a background in shoe hawking and motorbike repair, Robert's journey to artistic success is a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
After learning to be a sculptor from a friend, Robert abandoned it due to financial constraints and returned to his first love of painting. He now runs a successful art business in Nakuru, where he creates stunning pieces that range from Sh 1,000 to Sh 15,000.
Robert's inspiration comes from day-to-day activities, and he is not afraid to work in public. 'Painting from life experiences teaches you how to see, you become more adept at discerning values, colors and composition,' he says.
With three employees, Robert's team works fully steered by passion to deliver eye-catching canvas pieces. They use acrylic and silk vinyl paints, and Robert has made a profit of at least Sh 60,000 in a good month.
However, Robert's success comes with its challenges. He faces difficulties in finding space to train more artists and has to close work when it rains, which affects the drying time of his paintings.
Despite these challenges, Robert remains committed to his craft. 'I want to continue painting, to create a space where tranquility and the African narrative, especially that of Kenya can shine, reminding us the more you broaden your horizons, the more you create, the work speaks for you,' he says.
