A Painted Celebration -

Meet Sian Ellement. She is a local artist who was born in Bulawayo and has had an intense passion for art and design from a young age. Through hard work and commitment to her lifelong dream, she graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Graphic Design. She views art as an escape into the realms of creativity and as an artist, she is able to capture moments through realistic and abstract paintings and sketches. She told me, “Art form is my life and future.”

Sian speaks animatedly about how becoming an artist has given her the freedom to do what she loves most: create and share art everyday. Sian has done just that with her painting, New Zimbabwe, that honours the courageous people of this great nation. I couldn’t wait to get one of these prints; it hangs front and centre in my house today!

I asked Sian what inspired her to paint the New Zimbabwe painting; her answer:

“The New Zimbabwe painting was inspired by the wonderful African nation of Zimbabwe, which has so much potential and opportunity to thrive and stand proud. Zimbabwe has experienced so many hurdles over the decades, but together we have shown a united front that will stand together in such a memorable moment. There is nothing more beautiful than the smiles and positivity on the faces of the people, suppressed for so long, as they stand side by side united as a nation, determined to make our country a better place and live our lives to the fullest and not just survive! The energy and spirit of the nation inspired me to create this memorable piece that will commemorate a historical day in our country’s lifetime. Seeing all the strength of the people marching on the streets and the images flying across social media compelled me to puzzle the piece together with the nation’s colours.”

It took Sian a total of four full days after the November 18th march to complete the painting.

Her design company, Creative Ellement, offers branding through art and design. They offer ways for companies or individuals to communicate their ideas through vivid images and designs that speak to a target market.

If you are interested in buying prints or other art and design work, please contact Sian Ellement
0775 197415 • sian.ellement@gmail.com • Facebook • Instagram

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About Author

Dr J. Nozipo Maraire

Dr. J. Nozipo Maraire is an acclaimed Zimbabwean-born neurosurgeon, writer and entrepreneur. She is the author of Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter. The novel was published in 1996, was a New York Times “Notable Book of the Year” and a Boston Globe bestseller. It has been published and translated into over 14 languages. She lived and worked in the United States for 30 years and returned to Zimbabwe in 2012 to open her own neurosurgery practice and help improve Africa’s healthcare and economy. Dr Maraire attended Dominican Convent High School in Harare, she received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and then attended The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. She completed her neurosurgery training at Yale School of Medicine. She was awarded a Clinical Fellowship Award by The Congress of Neurological Surgeons which she used to work with Dr. Fred Epstein in paediatric neurosurgery in New York City. She is a public speaker who has been invited to lecture at colleges and universities across the United States and in Harare as well as TEDx Harare, a non-profit organization devoted to Ideas worth Spreading. In 2010, she was one of the winners of the British Airways Entrepreneur Face to Face Award for her entry of Ecosurgica, her vision for cutting edge, affordable health care in Southern Africa. She is the founder of Cutting-Edge Neurosurgeon Inc., a web-based start-up. She is also a founder and current Chairperson of Zimbabwe National Covid Action Trust (ZINCAT). Dr Maraire serves on several boards including St George’s College, Zimbabwe National Arts Council (Chairperson), Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (OMLAC), the selection committee for the Rhodes and Beit scholarships and formerly Island Hospice and as a trustee of the Tererai Trent Foundation. She is married to accomplished Urological surgeon, Dr Allen Chiura, and they have 4 children.

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