Everyone has reasons or motivation behind their choice of work, including artists. For some, it comes from a need to make surroundings more beautiful, or express and communicate ideas, and others find it inspiring and stimulating for the mind, among other things.

Ivan Gisa, a professional painter and tattoo artist, found art to be a place of solace—his own way to discover himself and boost his self-esteem, and above all, heal from depression.

For him, turning art it into a business came with time, after finding comfort in expressing himself in drawings and paintings.

The 22-year-old creative recalls falling in love with art in 2015; he was fascinated by colourful paintings, and wished to create something similar himself.

After completing high school, he took a six-month course at Kigali International Art College (KIAC), where he acquired skills in painting and mixing colours.

Today, he is a tattoo artist, graphics designer, and digital illustrator. His paintings depict mental health issues.

As a teenager, Gisa says that he was not like his peers; he was a loner, mostly angry, shy, and afraid to express himself, making him a very rare talker.

"Before, I mostly drew portraits of celebrities, or anything I imagined or that was around me, but artwork inspired by mental health was derived from my own condition.

"When I started painting, I noticed that it kept me distracted from the loneliness I felt and all the negativity in my mind. There is that inner joy and peace I felt, and I just wanted to paint whenever I got the chance,” he says.

The youngster points out that with art, he wasn’t afraid to show his vulnerability. He focuses on art that conveys healing and hope, and depicts life’s phases, people’s experiences, from growth, pain, restoration to death, and so forth.

Gisa says that art has changed for him the better, as seen through his stronger self-esteem. He is now a part of art, and wants people to relate to it.

"My patience has improved; sometimes the picture doesn’t come out like I’d imagined, so instead of giving up, or feeling sorry for myself, I start afresh.

"Even if it takes repeating it many times until I perfect it, I do so. It takes time, but its fulfilling in the long run. I have applied this patience in my life as well,” he explains, smiling.

With time, he wanted to turn his talent into business, it didn’t come easy, but he persevered.

What keeps him hopeful, however, is the fact that there is some progress in the art industry, as local artists are starting to take part in competitions, and organising their own exhibitions.

Tattoos

In 2018, a friend suggested teaching him tattoo art, claiming it was more profitable, though he wasn’t suggesting that Gisa quit the art he was already doing.

Gisa says that he decided to give it a shot. He and his friend borrowed a tattoo machine, and got some basics from the tattoo instructions that came with the machine.

He says that he kept practicing and observing how his friend sketched and applied ink, and in 2019, he was able to purchase his own tattoo machine.

Gisa highlights that he started the tattoo business in 2020 and he tested the inks on himself first, after noticing that they were original and didn’t fade, he started advertising his business.

"I thought it was just a walk in the park since I was experienced in drawing, but I was wrong. Tattoo art is pretty dissimilar because it’s applied on the skin, and requires care and attention,” he says.

He adds that his friends were his first clients, who also invited other friends to support his hustle and share his work on social media.

Although the two years of the Covid-19 pandemic affected him since he wasn’t able to access the equipment, he says that he is picking up. His tattoo prices range from Rwf 10,000 to Rwf 60,000, or even more depending on the size.

The artist notes that the tattoo business has come with lessons, as he has grasped working with people, for example, he explains that his clients mention exactly what they want.

Although at first it was tough for him to work on demand, he has learned to pay attention and respect their ideas.

He adds that the business has also allowed him to socialise with numerous people, of which some have become friends, advisers, and clients.

The future

Gisa anticipates organising a solo art exhibition. He is inspired by Rwandan illustrator Dolph Banza, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, an influential African-American artist who expressed his feelings and views through art, and the person he picked his nickname ‘baby Basquiat’ from.