Paralysed artist becomes master of painting
Joseph’s art, which is mostly natural landscapes and animals, is inspired by the world around him.
A group of doctors from the Complete Care Medical Centre at Mall@Carnival recently donated R2 000 to an aspiring quadriplegic artist.
Joseph Machweu (45) creates beautiful works of art by holding the paintbrush in his mouth.
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The donation went towards materials needed by Joseph to continue creating his art.
Joseph was paralysed in 2006 after he was shot in the neck. After the shooting, he was confined to a wheelchair and as a quadriplegic, he cannot use any of his limbs.
“I just got married at the time and my wife and I also have a child together,” Joseph said.
“Because of my daughter, I knew I had to keep fighting as I have to provide for her.”
Joseph, who lives at the Impumelelo Self-Help Centre in Pollak Park, Springs, aims to help others like him have a better quality of life.
After many obstacles, pain and suffering, as well as learning to do things all over again, Joseph found purpose in his life – art.
“My friend Daniel introduced me to art and recommended I attend classes,” he said.
Joseph immediately fell in love with creating paintings and attended the class every Thursday for two hours.
He was determined to make a success and practised during his private time as well.
“Even though I am the only student painting with my mouth, I really enjoy it,” Joseph said.
“I am also humbled by the fact that I am able to paint any painting on a customer’s request.
“I truly believe if you face life with a smile, it will smile right back at you, but if you face it with bitterness, your life will be bitter.”
Joseph’s art, which is mostly natural landscapes and animals, is inspired by the world around him.
Alongside his art, Joseph also forms part of the management committee that runs the Impumelelo Self-Help Centre.
He also works with the QuadPara Association of South Africa under their Know your Rights campaign to help disabled people be better informed of their rights and how to access information, services and equipment they need.
In 2016, Joseph formed part of the group that tested the accessibility of the Gautrain for people with disabilities.
Part of the advocacy work includes helping disabled people find work.
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