DAVID MURATHI
HA-MASHAU VILLAGE, LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA
Working from his rural home studio, wood-carver and herbalist healer, David Murathi is guided by his roots in everything he creates. Learning wood craft from his Father as a young boy, his work has developed into beautiful sculptural pieces, taking inspiration from his dreams and ancestral spirits. Even his smallest pieces, such as bathroom towel hooks, are true works of art.
David began woodcarving when he was still at school. As well as his Father, his Uncle, Churchill Madzivhandila, is famous in the region for his woodcarving. David was inspired by his family as a young man and this drives him to perfect every piece of art he makes.
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Living in Tshakuma, the heartland of Venda wood carvers, all David’s pieces are carved from wood found in his local surroundings. Leadwood, Mitzeeri, Yellow Cluster Leaf and Red Ivory Wood trees are all native to South Africa and can be seen in the bush around David’s home and art studio.
David takes a piece of ordinary wood and studies it’s natural shape, with the goal to tell a story with each piece of art.
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His work reflects Venda culture and traditions, drawing inspiration from his dreams and ancestral spirits.
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David also seeks to make more significant statements through his work, using the forms he creates in the wood to tell stories of social problems and painful situations in the region, such as domestic violence and the abuse of women.
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