Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1984, Terence Layson grew up in a family of seven, with his father hailing from Malawi and his mother from Tanzania. As a young boy, Terence aspired to be a footballer, dedicating much of his time to the sport during his high school years. He even played for Caps United, one of Zimbabwe’s professional football clubs. However, his passion for art began to emerge during this time, and he found himself increasingly drawn to it.
In 2004, Terence made the pivotal decision to pursue sculpture full-time, discovering his deep-rooted connection to the arts. He attended exhibitions and workshops, where he met many artists who would inspire and influence his journey. With the support of his brother, Aaron Layson, who had worked closely with the late, legendary artist Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Terence gained confidence in his craft and began to carve out his unique artistic style.
The guidance and ideas from his late brother Aaron, coupled with his own imagination, opened Terence’s eyes to the world of color and the boundless possibilities of art. Through hard work and perseverance, he overcame challenges and ultimately found success as an artist. Nature has been a constant source of inspiration for Terence, with his work reflecting a deep connection to birds, plants, and flowers. The rhythm of nature shapes his artistic expression, with birds and flowers often appearing in tandem, one emerging from the shadow of the other.
With further mentorship from renowned artist Dominic Benhura and his brother Brighton Layson, Terence’s creative journey continues to evolve. His work is limitless, shaped only by time itself, as he brings to life the beauty of nature through sculpture.