Margaret Majo

My name is Margaret Majo and I am known for my art on bottle tops and other recycled art which I started in 1990.  I have always loved art which is an inborn gift and so I was inspired to go for training at the Harare Polytechnic to polish my skills.  My skills have improved over the years through continuous practicing and experimenting on my own.

I use old bottle caps, soda cans, old CDs, old spoons, magnets, oil paints, glues, jewelry findings and other raw materials which I source locally or from neighbouring South Africa. My work protects the environment through my use of found waste objects that can be recreated into something new and beautiful.  I hand paint these items using designs which come from my imagination.

While I sell my work locally at the National Art Gallery, Doone Estate in Masasa and the Mukuvisi Woodlands shop, I have also exported to South Africa, Malawi and Zambia through middlemen over the past 21 years.  Local craft stores sell on consignment but outside customers pay cash.

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As a crafter, transport and operating space where customers can see me working are my biggest challenges.  My most successful product is a painting I did which received an award several times at an exhibition held at the National Art Gallery.  My other products sell reasonably well at craft fairs though I hope one day to open a shop which sells 100% recycled products.

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When I look at the next five years my goal is to pass on my skills to the younger generation.  It’s important to me because recycling protects the earth and the youth need to know this.  I also want to show them that they can make a living from waste.  This is especially important during our tough economic environment where there are few jobs and little access to capital. 

 

We live in such a mass produced society but people should buy handmade products because they are unique, and in my case, they help save the environment.

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If you need to reach me I can be contacted through ZAACA or on +263 772 405 457 or artonbottletops@gmail.com.  My physical address is 3170 Old Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe.  I can provide buyers with photos of my work to help them decide what they would like to buy.  They can also visit my home based workshop.