Passmore was born on the 15th September 1975 in Marendero, Guruve. There are five in his family and he is the first-born. His Totem is the Monkey.
Passmore did his primary education in Horse Shoe, during that time he was living with both his parents. During the last month of his final exams, his father passed away and he had to leave school and provide for his family. Passmore had to think big, as he knew his life would be an up-hill struggle and in 1992 he started carving in wood.
He sold his carvings in different places in Harare and farms, making things like salad bowls, spoons, forks, trays, bread and steak boards under the influence of Sadman Nyamhondoro and so he improved his life.
In 1998 Passmore visited Tengenenge Arts Community, to see if Mr Tom Blomfield, the owner, would buy his work. Tom suggested to Passmore that he try and change his art to work to stone instead. He then started living within the Community with his brother-in-law Alexander Makaki. During that time he became a full time artist living in Tengenenge Art Community.
Passmore’s main subjects in stone are Leaf-bowls (for attracting birds), slender Guinea fowl, Shells and most recently his Humming Birds have been really popular. His work has been exhibited in several countries including France, Holland, South Africa, Germany, Denmark, Canada, the UK and USA.
Passmore has been ZimSculpt’s Artist in Residence for the last 10 years!
During his spare time he likes to fish and listen to songs, which teach people how to live in harmony.
Video footage of Passmore at VanDusen Botanical Garden exhibition in 2011:
Also at the RBG’s exhibition back in 2008: