Baguta Helga, a Ugandan artisan designer with a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy , discovered her passion for art at a young age’ While pursuing her academic interests, she recognized the need to express her creativity and generate income for sustainability. This realization led to the birth of her unique venture in mosaic art , “Guta Crafts and Pieces,”
“I started creating mosaic paper art and selling it,” says Helga, realizing it could be a viable business.. “I considered art in 2018 while at university,” she recalls, “as a way to meet new people and creatively express myself.”
What started as a practical solution quickly evolved into a passion project, and eventually, a full-fledged business. She chose mosaic art for its unique qualities – its intricate nature, its eco-friendly potential, and the challenge it presented. It’s a medium that allows her to express her creativity while also contributing to a more sustainable art landscape.
Helga’s artistic philosophy centers around sustainability and uniqueness.
“Sustainably, I create pieces that will stand the test of time,these pieces are protected further with glass and wood frames that make the pieces last generations,” she explains. “Ethically, I create one piece per design, ensuring each creation is unique.”
Recent Creation
Helga’s most recent creation is a captivating mosaic piece depicting a giraffe which she calls “Giants of Africa’ This piece showcases her talent for capturing the beauty of Ugandan wildlife. This giraffe mosaic is more than just a beautiful depiction of wildlife; it’s a representation of Uganda’s rich natural heritage. It captures the majesty of these gentle giants, reminding viewers of the importance of preserving Uganda’s wildlife.
Looking ahead, Helga aims to collaborate with other artists and give back to the community. “I intend to organise a giveback to the community this year through a charity drive and creating pieces depicting the situations of people in the community” she shares.
Helga acknowledges the growing recognition of art in Uganda but believes more support is needed. “I feel like the industry has created and motivated people to start relying and buying Ugandan made products and attracted international attention but when it comes to art, more awareness is needed to attract Ugandan support for Ugandan art.”
She envisions a thriving art scene where artists are recognized and celebrated, competing with other established business sectors. She believes that Ugandan art has immense potential and is eager to see more artists embrace their talents and contribute to the country’s cultural landscape.
In a world of art where imagery and plagiarism are rampant, Helga focuses on creating unique pieces by drawing inspiration from her daily life and experiences. She believes that every artist possesses a unique touch and an individual style that cannot be replicated. This personal touch, combined with her commitment to originality and her focus on Ugandan themes, ensures that her mosaic art stands out.
Baguta is not only transforming her artistic talent into a thriving business, she is also contributing to the Ugandan art scene, inspiring others to pursue their creative dreams.
