Zimbabwe Artists Project

Melania Mazinyani painting at home

Melania was born in 1971 in Chiendambuya.  She is married and has two children, Richard and Tariro.  “I started sadza painting in the year 1988 at Weya Training Centre.  We were taught by a German lady, Ilse Noy.  When I joined it was very hard for me to draw a topic and a story.  But Ilse kept on encouraging us to use our hands.  As time went on I managed to do everything.  My rule is not to copy anything from a book.  I managed to help my family, because we were very poor.  I also educated my younger brother.  I really love my art because it is helping me.”