Victoria Falls Artist a finalist in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year

Victoria Falls resident and local artist, Tichaona Ncube, has been selected as a finalist in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year 2021.

Born in Zimbabwe in 1986, "Tich" grew up in Tsholotsho, a rural community north-west of Bulawayo. His early years were spent assisting his family with cattle herding, and it was during this time that his passion for drawing began to emerge and his inspiration came from cattle and the wildlife they would encounter along the way. Tich moved to Victoria Falls in 1999 to complete secondary school at Mosi-Oa-Tunya High School, and then spent a stint in South Africa before moving back to Victoria Falls where he has pursued an active career as a professional artist, whilst also working with 'Art of Africa' to offer cultural and conservation based art experiences for visitors travelling to the destination.

Inspired by the natural environment and wildlife in and around Victoria Falls, Tich believes his work allows for viewers to connect back to nature and find pleasure in the aesthetics of the natural world.

The David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year is an internationally renowned art competition and exhibition run by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), and is often referred to as the ‘Oscars of international wildlife art.’ Each year, the competition welcomes entries from hundreds of talented artists worldwide, in a celebration of outstanding wildlife art. With a rich art heritage thanks to their founder, the late conservationist and wildlife artist David Shepherd, who dedicated 60 years of his life to protecting wildlife using his exceptional artworks to raise vital funds, The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation has become a highly regarded and effective wildlife charity, and through their Wildlife Artist of the Year event, have become a warden of wildlife art, and celebrating incredible artistic talent.