Lovemore Bonjisi was born in 1985 in Ruwa, a rural community near Harare. He started sculpting at the age of 12, mentored by his older brother Lameck, now deceased, who was an internationally recognized artist. Lovemore’s two brothers, Tafunga and Garikai are also accomplished sculptors. They all work together in an arts co-operative in Harare.

Lovemore says that when Lameck introduced him to stone sculpting his creative nature was unleashed. By the age of 14 art dealers visiting his brother began to pay an interest in his work. Encouraged by their response, Lovemore decided to leave school and sculpt full time.

“A sculpture already exists in the stone before I start working on it,” says Lovemore. “All I do, as an artist, is cut out the unwanted material to reveal the sculpture hidden within. It is like cutting a diamond.”

Lovemore has a distinctive style that is both fluid and angular. He rarely includes much detailed chisel work, preferring instead to focus more on the overall form. He and his brothers have exclusive access to a mine that produces a unique variety of Cobalt and Lovemore takes full advantage of this remarkable stone.

Lovemore’s work has been exhibited in Australia, Germany, the US, the UK, Spain and Canada.

Lovemore has been represented in Canada since 2006.