A 28 year-old visual artist, Damiano Hara is earning a living through painting, a career that has also enabled him to establish a painting firm trading under the banner “Wala Arts”.
Hara, a graduate in Financial Accounting from the Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA) ventured into professional painting as one way of boosting his finances.
The Likoma Island-based youthful entrepreneur told ProjectM in an interview that his painting business has opened new doors for him financially.
“Growing up, I have always been a keen follower of people who made a living through painting, a development which helped me to cross paths with a renowned painter from Mzimba District few years ago,” said Hara.
He then started learning through observing a young painter from Mzimba who he said played a crucial role in developing his painting career.
Six years ago, Hara decided to go full throttle and launch his career.
“Ever since I launched my career, I have managed to make a name for myself, receiving bookings in Likoma island and across Malawi,” said Hara.
The professional painter, who is also doubling as an accountant for Victoria Forex Bureau in Likoma says he usually paints during the night and weekends to minimise disturbances.
“I am mostly being booked by foreigners who love paintings and other art related stuff,” he said.
Hara paints stuff such as face portraits and Nature paintings, just to mention a few.
On average, Hara finds six customers per month which roughly makes over 200,000 a month.
His dream is to establish an art gallery and open an art school where children can learn how to paint.
