My name is Willard Bopoto, I was born on the 26th August 1985 in Guruve District, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe.  As I grew up I was very interested in handcraft and art, even from primary school I felt enthusiastic about drawing and handcraft.  In my opinion, loving a hobby is the root and backbone for any positive development.  According to my motto, if you like ‘doing’, you do it well, then continue ‘doing’ for the rest of your life.  This marked the beginning of art in my life.

One of the days in 1996 I sold a piece of artwork to an American buyer when I was only ten years old.  In the same year, my grade four teacher asked me to display my piece of art in the classroom for others to see.  This motivated me and gave me a positive mind towards art.  Since my father was an artist, his works developed art skills in me.

As I grew up I also engaged in different activities in art and craft.  When I was in form 2 an American buyer called Guy motived me, by buying my piece of artwork.  Though during these school days my brother was discouraging me to do sculpting.  I kept on pursuing my ambitions to be an artist, a sculptor.

After doing my O’Levels, I started full-time sculpting since that was my passion.  From 2004 I exhibited in several exhibitions which include the Agio gallery and Kristen Diehl amongst others.

Some of my pieces were displayed and sold at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

I attended a workshop at the Conrad Foundation and attained a Certificate of Attendance.  I am dealing with several buyers from different countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.

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Famed for making me visit him after a long day and travel to the ‘other’ mountain in Mudindo, he assured me I would sell all of his works… and I did! Great artist working in Giraffe in the ‘curio’ style… beautifully finished and presented.

Click below for an interview with Willard, in the middle of nowhere!