Thomas Kubai

“I am a Tsonga and was born on October 13, 1972 at Tshivhuyuni village near Elim in the homeland of Gazankulu. At the age of 11 I started wood carving. My grandfather and father were both wood carvers. My father taught me how to make things for everyday use, like wooden spoons and bowls. I was lucky that in Standard 3 (1985) we were taught how to make stone carvings, walking sticks, tablemats and animals out of clay. I was a very talented student and received a certificate for my “art” pieces. My mother was very fond of painting and decorating our homestead. At an early age, my parents encouraged me to get involved in traditional dances and music.

When I was 18 years old, I started to work on big sculptures, like big fish and crocodile benches. At that time I met John Baloyi who encouraged me to continue wood carving but, like John, I mainly did it out of interest and dedication. This was also the time, when John Baloyi and I sent some of our pieces to different exhibitions and urban galleries – some were sold, others were lost or disappeared. In 1984 I met Jackson Hlungwani and spent time with him learning the art of wood carving from this great artist.

From 1995 till 1997, I took up Technical Studies at the college in Giyani, where I received a diploma/certificate in Carpentry, Building, Drawing and Building Science (N1 to N3). I never gave up wood carving. Today my sculptures can be found in different places both inside and outside South Africa. I like to make big sculptures, but purposely also make smaller carvings particularly for those foreign tourists visiting our place.

I strongly believe that as a sculptor I have to be a role model in my community. I am therefore involved in different initiatives in my village. I teach young people wood carving. I support a women’s co-operative in mat weaving and in the preparation of traditional food. Ever since my youth I try my very best to keep up our cultural village life. I hope to complete a rotunda as a guesthouse very soon so that visitors can enjoy our village life with music, dance and traditional food.”

Information courtesy of the artist.