By Neo Kolane
Forty-seven-year Karabo Mohapeloa, of Morija, 35km south of Maseru, has entered the world of art work and is carving a niche with his unique wire sculptures.
He has given a platform to wire in order to craft an assortment of art products of various makes. This he began in 2005 and has never looked back.
His works have attracted both local and foreign lovers of such works who are now buying into his small trade.
Mohapeloa said he left his job as an English teacher at Mahobong secondary school in the district of Leribe to begin a journey into the life of art by using what was available to him- wire.
He sat down with his three friends and decided to bring use of wire into their livelihoods.
They looked for disused items and came up with an idea to make use of wire pieces to unleash the talent.
At the beginning, they searched for usable items from the trash and came up with use of wire as a suitable option to explore.
In an interview with theReporter, Mohapeloa stated that his business is referred to Wire Waya literally meaning he uses and will use wire for a very long time.
He says that wire is easily found in many places, noting that it was a product used in past years to make car toys by young boys. This time around, it seems the item is no more used for various makes of toys as previously.
His ambition was to turn the commodity into a source of income for himself.
However, Mohapeloa tried to stay away from manufacturing ornaments but sought to create items with greater meaning. The leading choices are sculptures depicting everyday lives of people and their interests.
“I really twist and make the wire into something very attractive to people; that really relates with human behavior and daily practices,” he explains.
One his favourite art work s which he calls Mahlantholla portrays a person wearing black hair.
Mohapeloa says that he is touched by makes that bring sense of good feelings among the admirers.
“I have sold my pieces internationally in countries like Demark, England, New York, Eswatini and South Africa,” he revealed.
The instruments used to turn the wire into final products are the pay of pliers.
First, he draws pictures from which he eventually depicts the resultant sculpture following his long time love with drawing.
“I like personal designs that show individuals,” he warned, adding his makes are very diverse.
His works have been featuring at various exhibitions with an average standing at M5 000 per piece.
