Some people discover their passion later in life. For John Temba, it has been there almost from the beginning. Born in Moshi in 1947, John remembers loving to draw from a young age. Over the years, that childhood interest developed into a skill, a profession and eventually an important part of how he supported his family.

After moving to Dar es Salaam, John completed a course as a library assistant. His love for drawing, however, soon opened another door. He began working in the textile industry, drawing patterns for vitenge and kanga. This was the beginning of his professional journey as a pattern artist. In 1970, John moved to Mwanza and continued working in the textile industry. Nine years later, in 1979, his work took him even further. John travelled to the United Kingdom, where he spent three years studying pattern drawing and developing his skills.

He returned to Tanzania and continued working in the textile industry for many years. Then, in 2005, the textile factory where he worked closed down. For John, this meant the end of an important chapter, but not the end of his art. He continued drawing for private customers from his home. His artwork became an important way for him to continue earning a living and caring for his family. Through difficult and changing times, drawing remained something he could rely on.

In 2009, John lost his wife. As a father of nine children, three of whom have sadly passed away, and a grandfather of sixteen grandchildren, life brought many responsibilities and challenges. Through it all, his talent for drawing continued to help him move forward and provide for his family.

Today, John has a small workshop at his home, where he continues his work. His hands have been drawing for decades, and the experience he has gathered throughout his life can be seen in his artwork. John looks back on his journey with gratitude. He is thankful to God for the talent he was given and for the way drawing has helped him through life.

John is looking forward to the opening of the Work&Shop Creative Center, where he will display some of his artwork and share with the wider community. But you don’t have to wait until the opening to own a piece of John’s art! These two paintings below are available for sale, special for horse lovers 🙂 He takes orders too, if you have a specific idea in mind? 100% of the sell goes to John.

Get in touch with us through socials or phone.

In the video below, John shares his thoughts about the Work&Shop and tells us why he is looking forward to the opening. 🎥

Horse painting 1: size 100cm x 150cm price 300,000 Tsh

Horse paining 2: size 75cm x 100cm price 100,000 Tsh