Any object on earth can be considered a form of art or a source of inspiration for creating an art piece. Materials such as stone, wood, metal, mud and paint are among the tools used by artists.
As a child, I once traveled through a jungle at night and encountered a frightening object that made me think of a hyena. I immediately turned back instead of continuing on my journey. It turned out that the object was just a tree stump, created by a tree cutter. This experience made me realize that objects of an ordinary day can be seen as an art piece.
Artists are now using metal to create a wide variety of movable objects. Metal is a crucial material that is used to make many objects we use in our daily lives. The properties of metal are unique compared to other materials used in crafting.
Various metals, such as iron, bronze, lead, silver, gold and alloys, can be used to create artwork. Metal art is commonly found in home doors, buildings, fences and more. Metal sculpting involves pouring liquid metal into molds to create sculptures and other items. Copper, brass, bronze and aluminum are commonly used materials for this process.
Ancient civilizations used metal primarily for practical purposes, such as crafting tools and weapons. As civilizations developed, so did their metallurgical techniques. Today, in Ethiopia, startups are creating metal artworks that represent the country’s historical heritage and attract tourists. Teketay Creative Works is one such company that produces unique metal art pieces.
Saron Girma is a representative for the metal artworks brand, Teketay. She has displayed metal creative arts in various international hotels. Recently, the writer of this piece had the chance to visit her artworks displayed at the Hilton Hotel. She is dedicated to promoting the metal artworks popularizing it to both tourists and residents.
When approached by The Ethiopian Herald, Saron briefed us about her company’s workday and night. They started creating art almost two years ago. The idea came about through her friend, Abynur Solomon, who assessed his resources at the time. He had family members who specialized in metal sourcing and production under the Netsa Trading PLC.
She explained that Abynur Solomon is a person with an artistic bent. At Teketay Creative Works, all are creative individuals. He plans how to utilize the metal sheets available optimally and transform them into something new. So, he imported the necessary machines, and that is how Teketay Creative Works came to be. Today, they offer metal table artwork, metal wall art products, and various unique pieces.
Art is a unique form of expression, she said, adding that it allows you to showcase your preferences and dislikes.
Group members found a new medium to express themselves through metal. With metal, they can create sturdy, powerful artwork that stands out in a home. Metal art is not as common as canvas art; it’s bolder and stronger, which is what they appreciate about it.
When asked what inspired them to engage in such artwork, she replied that they had a desire to create stronger, sturdier artwork. Art has always been a significant part of her life, especially with her father’s influence. Her family, particularly on her paternal side, has a deep appreciation for art. They used to travel to Ghana and South Africa, where they encountered various art forms.
Art has always been present in their home, and she has cherished it since childhood. She remembers playing with her dad’s African masks. Often, she was captivated by them. Her love for art led her to pursue a career with a brand that introduces art in a new medium, which has been an incredible opportunity for her.
As a startup, they aim to have their artwork in every household. They want to showcase their uniqueness and customization capabilities to everyone. The name Teketay Creative Works reflects their commitment to cater to their customers’ desires to create unique art pieces. Their ultimate goal is to be recognized globally and be known for their customizable art that appeals to a wide audience.
In addition to their current artworks, they specialize in creating metal pieces on a larger scale, such as stairway railings and wall facades. Their advice for young people looking to innovate is to dedicate themselves, study the market, and pursue what they love. Finding a niche in the market that aligns with your passion will drive your success. The cost of starting a business varies depending on the industry and requires thorough market research to estimate accurately.
Times are changing, and opportunities in the art industry are expanding. Saron encourages parents and individuals to embrace the evolving landscape and consider pursuing creative endeavors.
In a nutshell, the stigma around art as a career choice is upturning, and there are ample opportunities for success in the industry. It is essential to adapt to the changing times and explore new possibilities for growth.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 26 JULY 2024
