Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sharp-Lee Mthimkulu is a multi-disciplined artist and creative of Zimbabwean descent. Since graduating from the University of Johannesburg under the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) in 2013, he has evolved as an artist, recently incorporating sculpting into his practice. 

He will use the $1800 grant to produce the second volume of By Way of Illustration, a coffee table book that documents contemporary African illustrators. ”By Way Of Illustration is about the community and those who have followed their passion and are making a living out of what they love. It's showcasing African creatives. Also, it's really about documenting living creatives, giving reference to those who are looking to enter the industry,” he said.

He added: "The value of this project lies in the community of illustrators, allowing them to be sharing our stories. It's showcasing African creatives. Also, it's really about documenting living creatives, giving reference to those who are looking to enter the industry.  We looking to impact the industry by giving access to the illustration/creative community, inspiring and cultivating future creativity and thus impacting the lives of our community across Africa."

He said the grant is a validation that the work o African creatives matters. "Most of all I think this grant has given us that little light of hope to continue document and showcasing our people's work."

Ther said By Way of Illustration also represents the freedom to do what he is passionate about - stories about Africa, by Africans for Africans. "The book series aims to give assessability to stories of Africans to those that look like them. I'm a creative entrepreneur, I have had many hurdles and learning curves that I think can be passed on to the next generation. I really want to see my people winning, and create a world where opportunity is for all but also the information and understanding of those opportunities are evident."