Shepherd Deve - Artist Biography

Early Life:
Born in rural Zimbabwe in 1969, Shepherd Deve discovered a love for art during his early years. Although his primary school offered art lessons, his secondary education did not, leaving him without formal training. Despite this, Shepherd’s artistic passion persisted. He often drew animals and wildlife, inspired by his surroundings and his interest in nature documentaries. These moments laid the foundation for his artistic journey, even though opportunities to develop his talent were limited at the time.

Journey to Sculpting:
In 2007, an unexpected accident left Shepherd recovering for two months, giving him time to reevaluate his career path. During this period, he accompanied his wife to her job at the Chitungwiza Arts Centre, where she cleaned and polished sculptures. Shepherd quickly mastered the cleaning techniques and gained an appreciation for the artistry of stone sculptures.

Later that year, a visiting client from Canada asked Shepherd if he sculpted as well as polished. Though he had not yet tried carving, the client encouraged him to pursue it. Inspired by her belief in his potential, Shepherd carved his first pieces—four small animal and bird sculptures—in early 2008. The client was so impressed by his skill that she purchased all four pieces and took them to Canada, marking the start of his sculpting career.

Artistic Development:
Shepherd credits Mrs. Moyo, a mentor at Chitungwiza Arts Centre, for encouraging his growth as an artist. He also acknowledges the serendipity of discovering his passion in a moment of chance. Over the years, Shepherd’s work has gained recognition and has been purchased by clients from countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Creative Style and Focus:
Shepherd sculpts full-time at Chitungwiza Arts Centre, working exclusively with stone. His preferred subjects include animals, birds, fish, and leaf-flower motifs. He describes his art as "Fine Creation”—a unique balance between refinement and natural creativity.

Today, Shepherd Deve’s sculptures are celebrated for their intricate detail and ability to capture the essence of the natural world, making him a standout artist in Zimbabwe’s vibrant sculpting community.