We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lennox Makurumidze. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lennox below.
Hi Lennox , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Building true confidence as an artist is tough, but it’s definitely possible. It’s that part of you that’s always questioning your work , not because you doubt yourself, but because you want to make sure you’re doing your best. Only you can really know if you’ve achieved that.
For me, confidence came from making promises to myself and keeping them. I told myself I would create great things, and by following through, I built up undeniable proof of my abilities. This self trust grew because I consistently met the goals I set. Confidence, in my experience, comes from keeping promises to yourself. It shows your mind and body that you can be trusted to achieve your dreams.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Lennox Tatenda Makurumidze is a remarkable figure in the world of Afrocentric photography and poetry, dedicated to amplifying African voices and shedding light on important social issues. Describing himself as a “pixel poet,” he intricately weaves together visual and literary elements to create powerful photographic narratives that challenge perceptions and provoke thought. Makurumidze’s portfolio encompasses a diverse range of genres, from photojournalism capturing untold African stories to conceptual photography aimed at reshaping perceptions of the continent. Through his lens, he endeavors to present African realities authentically, free from stereotypes and misinterpretations.
As the founder of the Harvest Project, Makurumidze spearheads a
collaborative initiative that merges poetry and photography to articulate the
African narrative in a profound and compelling manner.His accolades include exhibitions at prestigious venues such as artHARARE and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, as well as features in esteemed
publications like Newsday, Harare Magazine, and GQ South Africa. Makurumidze’s contributions to the Montgomery Photo Festival further
underscore his impact on the global artistic landscape.Makurumidze stands as a beacon of creativity and advocacy, using his artistry to illuminate the richness and complexity of contemporary Zimbabwe. His work invites audiences to embrace the multifaceted narratives of the Zimbabwean
experience.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The first quality is hunger both figuratively and literally. My hunger has always been a powerful motivator in my creation. There is a hunger to create something better and greater than anything I’ve ever seen, and a literal hunger to survive. These elements have brought me peace in understanding the creative process and the business of creativity. One of my favorite lines from a movie says, “Showbiz is the show and the business, and I want to be good at both.”
The second quality is curiosity—the need and desire to learn more. As a creative, you need to consistently learn and fall in love with the process of learning. This is not something I’ve mastered, but I’ve realized it’s essential to create work that surpasses you and leaves a legacy.
Lastly, you have to be a doer. Consistently push yourself out of your comfort zone and seek uncomfortable spaces to visualize something completely different out of nothing but rebellion and scraps. Take initiative because, sadly, no one’s coming to save you. If you don’t save yourself, you will remain in the same position. There needs to be consistent action towards your dreams, goals, feelings, thoughts, and desires.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Oh my word, that would easily be The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. This book does an incredible job of describing the journey to finding creative peace. As creative entrepreneurs, we are often troubled creatures, constantly searching for ways to calm ourselves. The Creative Act feeds the soul of a creative, helping us figure out ways to improve ourselves and our lives without taking us on a roller coaster of confusion.
One line that changed my life is, “The audience comes last.” This wisdom helped me create from within, with purity and honesty that is unapologetically authentic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lennoxthephotographer.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennoxthephotographer?igsh=ajdmZnBtbGcxY2Rw&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennox-makurumidze-1259521b3?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Lennox Makurumidze photographer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
