Turning wood to art
RACKSON Mathye of Rhulani village near Tzaneen in Limpopo creates stunning art pieces out of wood.
CAPABLE HANDS: Rackson Mathye with some of his art. People order exactly what they want and I make it for them.
The 65-year-old Mathye is an excellent woodcarver and he applies his talent to earn a handsome living.
The veteran sculptor produces unique wooden sculptures. He makes striking figures of people and objects.
Mathye says he initially made toys for children in and around his area.
He says he enjoyed what he did and realised that he could make items for adults too.
"Then I started making bigger pieces by using matchsticks. Later still I started carving many things out of wood," he says.
Mathye is one of the most successful artists in Limpopo today.
He says his art has helped him put food on the table. He feels fortunate that some of the villagers also buy his works of art.
"People order exactly what they want and I make it for them. I enjoy creating all sorts of crafts and ornaments out of wood," he says.
Mathye says he started carving 23 years ago after he was injured in an accident.
"I was injured and lost a leg. After the accident, I was retrenched. But since I discovered art I have been able to feed my family and send my children to school.
"I am grateful to God because not everyone in the village can use their hands to create work for themselves," Mathye says.
