Born on September 15, 1975, in Marendero, Guruve, Passmore is the eldest of five siblings and proudly carries the Monkey as his totem. His early years were marked by both joy and hardship. He attended primary school in Horse Shoe while living with his parents. Tragically, during the final month of his exams, his father passed away, forcing Passmore to leave school and take on the responsibility of providing for his family.

In 1992, driven by necessity and ambition, Passmore began carving in wood, crafting practical items like salad bowls, spoons, forks, trays, and breadboards. Guided by Sadman Nyamhondoro, he honed his skills and gradually improved his family’s circumstances.

In 1998, Passmore’s journey took a pivotal turn when he visited Tengenenge Arts Community, seeking to sell his work to the community’s founder, Tom Blomfield. Tom encouraged him to explore stone sculpting, a challenge Passmore embraced wholeheartedly. He moved to Tengenenge, living with his brother-in-law, Alexander Makaki, and became a full-time stone sculptor.

Passmore’s signature creations include leaf bowls designed to attract birds, slender guinea fowls, shells, and his increasingly popular hummingbirds. His sculptures have been exhibited globally, gracing galleries and exhibitions in France, Holland, South Africa, Germany, Denmark, Canada, the UK, and the USA.

For the past 20 years, Passmore has been ZimSculpt’s esteemed Artist in Residence, embodying the spirit of Shona sculpture with his creativity and dedication.

In his free time, Passmore enjoys fishing and listening to music that promotes harmony and unity, reflecting his belief in living a balanced and meaningful life.

Video footage of Passmore at VanDusen Botanical Garden exhibition in 2011:

Also at the RBG’s exhibition back in 2008: