Malakhiwe Vellem

My name is Malakhiwe Vellem. I was born and bred in Cape Town. I am from East London in Phumlani Village. I did my primary grades at Kairos primary school. I started falling in love with art at grade 3 and that’s when I spent most of my time in drawings and so forth.
I used to draw pictures that I see and at times I would draw anything out of my head which I could not explain. I found myself drawing in the air at times and my parents started to suspect that I was going crazy. My parents used to reprimand me on this manner thinking that I was going crazy. However as the time goes they saw potential in me and ended up buying me plain books to do my drawings.
Most of my educators noticed this as well and they supported me, they used to ask me to draw for them especially Natural Sciences teachers and Technology teacher.
I went to Leiden high school and that is whereby my drawing skills were highly noticed in a formals task. In grade 9 we had this exams in Creative Arts whereby we were required to draw apple in a 3-D shape. We had to show all details the hidden and visible sides. That motivated me even more. I started to draw more of 3-D shapes and my own drawings. I drew animals, humans and other objects. I would show front view, side view or top view. My interest grew even more.
In 2022 I went to CPUT and started a Diploma in Accountancy. I used different
equipments at CPUT to enhance my skills. I did this without guidance or tutorials. I started to draw for clients. They like my work as a result that paid off for me. I managed to buy stationery and support at home where I can. This was so interesting because clients had different needs and I had to deliver so I was not doing one thing. I met experienced artist that’s when we shared our experiences and shared skills amongst each other. We grew so well. I also met young artists whom I groomed to become the best versions they would want be. I had so many challenges in townships as we had limited resources but I used what I had and the project was a success.
I am still pushing my passion with all challenges but I succeed. I have few clients sometimes no clients as most people I am exposed to do not understand portrait art.
I am mostly supported by my former educators. I am looking forward making my skill known and become the best artist I would like to become. I am willing to learn more other art skills and different types as well. I understand that knowledge is power hence I will learn till I die.