Joséphine Tambwe Feza Kabibi

I am Joséphine, an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I was born on August 15, 1973 in Bukavu. I’m the mother of a young girl. I was trained for seven years in my craft, and have worked for 27 years. I arrived to Canada one year ago, as a refugee.

Before coming to Canada, I was in Burkina Faso, where I exhibited twice at the International Trade Fair of Ouagadougou (SIAO). “SIAO, the International Arts and Handicrafts Trade Show of Ouagadougou, the so-called window of African handicraft, is one of Africa’s most important trade fairs of its kind. It shows the whole variety of African art and craft products. The event is a mixture of exhibition as well as cultural and artistic activities.” (Source)

This copper work is not easy and I do it with all my heart. In my work, I follow these steps: 1) Cut the copper in the dimensions that I’m going to work, 2) Put the copper in the fire, 3) Put the drawing on the copper, 4) Start tracing, 5) Put the copper back in the fire again; and 6) Start typing and putting on colors to finish.