"Sweetheart" Print by Lele Msibi

Inkjet on Moab Entrada Paper

24 in x 36 in 

Edition: 1/10 

ORIGINAL ARTWORK

“Sweetheart”

28" x 44"

Charcoal and Joint Compound

2024

At the age of 10 years old I started my journey in volunteering. The very first little child I taught to read strikingly resembles that of this little “Sweetheart” you’re looking at.

He was a very small premature little boy who had probably the brightest smile I’ve ever seen on a child. This orphanage I volunteered acted as the saving grace for thousands of children who happened to be found or if they were lucky enough; brought to this home to be taken care of by selfless house mothers. And gladly with the intervention of the school I attended, were provided with the means to learn and grow in an environment where people cared for their well-being and education. An experience they wouldn’t have otherwise had if they weren’t saved from their homes.

“Sweetheart” is what this little boy called everybody.

And I mean everybody. It didn’t matter who you were, how old you were or why you were in his presence. If he saw you, he greeted you with the widest of smiles and said “Hello sweetheart”.

There aren’t enough people in life who I believe truly have the power to save the world but this little man was as super hero. As small as he was, and as much as he had very little to live on, he taught me the value of joy, laughter and pure kindness simply by choosing to be happy in the circumstances that didn’t bring much favor. He was a great student and near to perfect friend to all.

I am grateful to Eric Gyamfi and his photography for conjuring up such a powerful memory.