Woodworker nurtures a passion to create objects of beauty

“I think I am successful because I know just the right trees to select,” he says. “Like a human being, a tree must eat and drink water to stay healthy. That’s the most important thing if you want it to last longer.”

Luthuli views the mistakes he sometimes makes in his work as an opportunity in disguise.

“In art, there’s no mistake,” he says. “When you make a mistake, you just correct it by turning it into something else. Maybe you’re trying to make a bag, and you fail. But you can turn it into a small car, a train or a truck. In art, there’s no mistake; I just see it as a sign to shape it into something else.

“You can only survive if you love nature. You mustn’t just cut the trees for nothing. You must cut it because you want to create something beautiful out of it. Something that people would love to see. The most important thing is that you love what you do.”

When asked about his favourite pieces, Luthuli proudly mentions the big five sculptures, depicting elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo.

“That is my best work yet, because to me, it’s my identity as an artist. I love the big five. When I make it and see it coming together, I feel happy.”

Through each handcrafted piece, Luthuli tells a story of his heritage, his community and his passion for keeping traditional craftsmanship alive in a modern world. 

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