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Dickson, a member of the Luhya tribe, is from the town of Xihiga in Western Kenya. This friendly, soft-spoken artist specializes in hand-drawn, African-themed bookmarks, which he sells to Aina Moja.
"Since I was a little kid, I used to draw," says Dickson. "It's in my blood." He's never studied art, and no one else in his family has been an artist, but Dickson doesn't see this as a deterrent. He's eager to experiment with different mediums and styles, and is currently working to prefect his technique with oil paints. Dickson's subjects include people, animals, landscapes and whatever else comes his way. As for now, his favorite work is done with pencil on thick art paper, and he says that his best ideas are those that are purely imaginary. "I just sit down, think of something, then I make it," he says.
Dickson is single, and lives in Nakuru, Kenya with his younger brother. Since his career as an artist is somewhat new, his cliental is small, and he works as a waiter to make ends meet. He says that the Nakuru Sweetmart, where he waits tables, has been a good place for him to promote his artwork. "I've met many people who encouraged me to be who I am; that is, an artist," he says.
Within the next two years, Dickson would like to have his own shop selling bookmarks and other crafts. He likes the Nakuru area, and thinks that its market for crafts is good since there's not much competition. On the other hand, Dickson says he "can stay anywhere provided it has...people who can like my products." Perhaps if he starts a shop in Nakuru that does well, he'll think of expanding to other cities and countries. Dickson is excited that his work is being seen all the way in the United States, thanks to Aina Moja. "Oh, I feel good!" he says. He hopes his work will travel to other foreign countries, as well. "I like adventure. Visiting different countries, different cultures..." he trails off, thinking of all the places his artwork could take him.
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