5 minutes with Batsi Jorofani

BIG ISSUE VENDOR AND ARTIST BATSI SAYS:

“I paint to reflect the beauty I see and feelings I experience. Most of my art I paint from imagination and memories. I enjoy experimenting with the play of light in a painting and the use of warm, cool and hot colours of the paint helps me express my interpretation of the subject – be it figures, landscapes or floral studies. My aim is to convey to the viewer an impression, a mood conveyed in the subject, capturing the essence and the light that is within all things. My passion is to learn, explore and create. I would love to pursue art as a career. I love it with all my heart; it defines me. Art makes me feel like I’m free and I’m able to express my thoughts and feelings through it. I’d like to get into the industry and exhibit my paintings. On the other hand, I’d also love to get into social development programmes for kids. I can help out with art or sport. I believe that with a little guidance, children – and the entire African continent – can have a bright future. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing at home or meeting up with friends. I Joined The Big Issue in 2009 after moving to South Africa in 2006. I was born in Mozambique, where I spent most of my childhood, and later moved to Zimbabwe. Unlike many foreign brothers and sisters, I didn’t settle in Johannesburg. I came straight to Cape Town. Honestly, I don’t like Johannesburg; it has had too many violent incidents towards foreign nationals. I couldn’t risk my life as I am the breadwinner back home. [I worried] – if something happened to me, how would my family survive? There was a lot to consider, and Cape Town was the best option.

My journey at The Big Issue has been a wonderful experience. I’m truly grateful. Being a Big Issue entrepreneur shaped my life, as I was heading nowhere.”

“My aim is to … capture the light that is within all things” – Batsi Jorofani