Multi – talented writer and visual artist, One Balike recently shared the challenges and successes through her journey to find her artistic voice. For Balike, the process itself has been a gift despite the difficulties she’s encountered along the way.
Balike’s work is deeply rooted in themes of femininity and nature, which she often merges into vibrant, liberated compositions that evoke a sense of lightness in the viewer. Her most recent piece, tentatively titled “Embodiment of Beauty,” exemplifies this fusion. It features a portrait of a woman with a blue tunic wrapped around her head, set against the backdrop of a night sky with stars, while at the bottom, a colorful Okavango Delta sunset, complete with silhouettes of native palm trees.
“I am in the process of discovering what I want to express, constantly learning and growing with each new experience,” Balike reflected. “This artistic journey has taught me a lot about myself—I’m curious, and I cannot stop learning.”
“I believe nature in Botswana is not fully appreciated for its beauty,” Balike explained. “Nature cares for us in so many ways, just as the female figure does. Both the feminine and nature are a mirage of each other, and I would like to believe that this is where I find myself now in my journey as an artist. I sometimes wish people could see it as I do and appreciate them more.”
Balike began her artistic journey in 2018, initially learning to draw and paint under the guidance of mentors like Prince Moyo, whom she credits as a significant influence. Although she started as a writer, crafting poetry and short stories, she eventually discovered a latent talent for visual arts, which she pursued after completing her science-focused tertiary education.
Her artistic career gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic, with many of her works finding a steady market. However, Balike acknowledged the challenges of making a living as an artist in Botswana, where the art market is still developing and many artists rely on commissioned work.
“This journey has had its challenges,” she noted. “Batswana often do not appreciate the effort and work that goes into creating art, and they tend to negotiate prices to the point where we can barely break even.”
Despite these hurdles, Balike has found a niche in the tourism sector, where some of her works have been well-received. She remains committed to her craft, stating, “art is a gift in itself. Even if there was no money in it, I would not stop. It is the only thing that gives me a space to be myself—a therapeutic outlet that helps me make sense of the world.”
Looking ahead, Balike hopes to soon have enough pieces to launch her first exhibition. “I think I’ll have enough work to showcase soon, and I’m eager to make it happen,” she concluded.
