Cooking art: The hospitality man creating magic on paper

Some of Josiah Mwangi's art works. [Peter Theuri, Standard]

"I have been following some very gifted artists on social media and I have been learning from some of the very best," he says, showing drawings from Percymad, a French fine artist who is one of his best inspirations, and hyperrealism artist Arinze Stanley.

As his expertise has grown so has his rates for framed countrywide deliveries. He charges Sh4500 for the A4 drawing, Sh6,000 for the A3, Sh12, 000 for the A2, and Sh25,000 for the A1.

Drawing on both Ivorian and Strathmore Bristol papers, watching Mwangi at work is witnessing a master in his craft, oozing talent with every stroke of his pencil.

He refuses to get distracted because one slight mistake could change the whole drawing. "You have to look at a balance of many things. Symmetry, texture, colour balance- everything. In the end, it is these little details that matter," he says.

Mwangi hopes to take his art to the international stage, like some of the artists he admires, and to be able to receive orders from across the globe. He thinks that is within reach, with some of his drawings of internationally recognized football stars giving him good traction.

Mwangi plans to also start participating in art exhibitions. With an interest in painting as well, soon his acrylic work will be hung on walls, he says, as he plans to explore art in its diverse forms.

But does it mean, therefore, that his career in hospitality and tourism management ended before it could begin?

"No, not possible. I love it as much as I love drawing, and I can draw from the kitchen or from the jungle. I will know how best to juggle; both are equally interesting and I cannot choose," he says about his profession and his passion.

And even as he anticipates his first forays into hospitality and tourism management after graduating in December 2023, Mwangi has given himself an avenue to earn and to grow.

To other young men and women wondering what to venture into, Mwangi advises keenness so one can identify their talent, or strength, and to focus to grow a fire out of a spark whenever they feel it.

"Follow that passion. Do not give up when things seem not to go as you would expect," he says.

"And make it a habit to practice every day. Remember every day makes one's talent better, and a day spent without practice is a step behind. Also, use the resources you have at your disposal; they will give you the better ones you need in the future."