By Gcwalisile Mhlabane (Intern)
MBABANE – When art becomes a language of the soul!
For 22-year-old Alindwe “Ali” Thomo from Thembelihle, Mbabane, sketching is far more than a creative outlet—it’s a personal language, a window into the human spirit, and a bridge between his passions for art and architecture.
Each drawing, each detail, carries the weight of unspoken emotion, captured in a medium that speaks without words.
Currently an architecture student at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Thomo uses sketching to explore emotion, structure, and storytelling. From expressive portraits to structural lines, his art reflects a beautiful blend of spontaneity and purpose.
“Sketching helps me connect with the world around me,” he says. “its how I make sense of people, places, and emotions.”
Thomo’s artistic journey began with a moment many would shy away from—a classmate’s laugh at his early attempts to draw. But instead of retreating, he turned the ridicule into a challenge.
“Instead of giving up, I took it as a challenge. That’s what started it all. From that day, drawing became more than a hobby. It became a form of therapy, self-discovery, and later, a calling.”
Starting in primary school, he would sketch alongside friends, finding joy in progress and creativity. Over time, his focus evolved into capturing the human face, especially the eyes, which he believes carry the soul of his work.
“The eyes are the soul of my work,” he says. “They tell the story that words can’t.” He keeps his earliest sketches as a reminder of where it all began. “It reminds me that I’ve been consistent, even when no one was watching or praising me.”
While many artists idolize international figures, Thomo finds his muse in everyday life. His eyes are always scanning crowds, drawn to expressive faces, subtle gestures, and raw human emotion.
“I draw a lot of inspiration from faces I see in everyday life, especially expressive people,” he shares.He believes perfection is the enemy of progress and encourages young creatives to start with what they have—whether it’s pencils, paper, or even just an idea.
“Don’t wait for things to be perfect before you start,” he advises. “Growth doesn’t come from waiting, it comes from doing.”
Now venturing into digital art, Thomo is expanding his creative toolkit. He’s working on a comic project that will combine his love for narrative and illustration, and dreams of exhibiting his work both locally and internationally.“More than anything, I want my art to reach people emotionally.”
Whether through a sketch of a stranger’s eyes or the intricate designs of a building, Thomo aims to leave a mark that resonates. He’s not just drawing for recognition—he’s drawing to make people feel.
Thomo’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of visual storytelling. From a moment of childhood doubt to a rising presence in Eswatini’s art scene, his story inspires artists to embrace their voice, chase their vision, and express emotion through every line they create.
As Alindwe Thomo continues to sketch his way through life, his work stands as a reminder that art is not just seen—it’s felt.
