Patrick Kananji is a 41-year-old stone sculptor with 24 years of experience in the craft. He was born in Gunda Village, Rusape, into a family of nine. His parents were subsistence farmers, which made it difficult for the family to make ends meet. Patrick attended Gunda Primary School for his early education and then proceeded to Tsindi Secondary School. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, he was unable to complete his secondary education and left school in Form Three.

Patrick’s journey into sculpture began in 2001 at Silveria House in Chizhawasha, where he first discovered his passion for stone sculpture. He primarily works with five types of rocks: Fruit Serpentine, Verdite, Lapidolite, Dolomite, and Spring Stone. These materials inspire much of his work and allow him to create unique and expressive pieces.

After his time at Silveria House, Patrick moved to Ruwa Gallery in 2003, where he continued to hone his skills. In 2005, he joined Mutasa Gallery in Hillside and worked there for five years before establishing his own studio in Rusape, where he is currently based.

As a father of four children, all of whom are currently in school, Patrick’s greatest wish is to create beautiful and meaningful art that reflects both his personal journey and the rich tradition of Zimbabwean stone sculpture.