Jay Mariga was born in 1980 in Chinhoyi. He is the last-born son of the late Joram Mariga, an internationally acclaimed first generation sculptor who earned the title “father of Shona sculpture.” His brothers Walter, Freddy and Daniel (now deceased) are also sculptors.

Jay grew up in a family which had great respect for Shona traditions and customs. His interest in stone sculpting was sparked as a young boy, but it was not until completing high school in 1998 that he decided to pursue an artistic career.

His father was an inspiring but demanding mentor and from the start Jay carved in the harder stones – Springstone, Leopard Rock, Verdite and Lepidolite – honing his technical and creative skills.

Jay explains that despite now living in an urban environment he still feels strong ties to his rural roots and finds nature an endless source of inspiration. “I like to work both realistically and in abstract,” Jay explains. “My father was an important influence on me but I have never tried to imitate his style.”

Being surrounded by art from an early age, Jay believes that he developed an “artistic eye” and an instinctive response to stone. His distinctive sculptures explore both texture and form.

Jay’s sculptures have been exhibited at the Chapungu Sculpture Park and several other galleries in Harare. He has sold his work to galleries and collectors in Germany, Holland, the US, the UK, South Africa and Canada.

Jay has been represented in Canada since 2004.