Tambika
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COSTA GURUPIRA
“Born to Israel Gurupira and Joyce Katsande in 1965 at Nyadire General Hospital in Mutoko, I am their eldest surviving child. My father, Israel is second son born to Time Gurupira, whilst Joyce, my mother, is second daughter in a family of five girls and four boys. My father and mother were born in 1936 and 1942 respectively. I am married to my lovely wife, Gracious, born in 1974, with whom I have two sons, Chris and Cliff.
My most vivid childhood impression was marvelling at the wonders my grandpa worked out of wood – cooking spoons (Magoti Rugwakwu), kitchen utensils, yokes, small lizards etc. Rosemary Gurure, my grandma (on my father’s side) was an accomplished potter. I was subconsciously taught to both carve and make clay pots and woven baskets. At the tender age of about six, my works were already plausible.
The most dramatic turn in my artistic life was in the year 1985, when I turned to stone carving. Little did I know that I had finally found what my soul craved for and I am a stone carver trading as ‘Guru’ at Guru Gallery Art and Craft Centre (1760 Chizanje Avenue, New Mabvuku, Harare, Zimbabwe – Tel: 263 4 459 403).
I delight in watching my two sons, Chris and Cliff, following in my shoes as they work with me and even challenge the finishing of my pieces. I just hope God would bestow the blessing of stone art on them to become formidable forces in the stone art industry.
To my mother Joyce, I sincerely express my most profound gratitude for the innumerable help, strength and courage she gave and nurtured in me. To my wife Gracious, your help is very vital and shall continue to be the backbone of my success.
I dedicate Guru Gallery, founded in 1988, to these special and dynamic women, because their role in the foundation was just as good as the base of the foundation, or the concrete on which this powerhouse was built on.”