An artist and craftsman from Khutsong uses his talents to change lives, including his own, for the better.

28-year-old Mzwandile Lucas is a very passionate craftsman and artist from Khutsong Extension 5. He was born in Carletonville but he was raised at a farm in Randfontein and after realizing that he is a visual thinker his interest was ignited that he could use art to change his life.

‘’Art keeps me away from negative activities such as substance abuse and it regulates my behaviour as it is a way of relieving my pressures and it has offered me rehabilitation,’’ he expressed.

He was introduced to music and became a rapper which got him into fashion but he felt misunderstood for his fashion sense which made him realize that he is an artist at heart as he was exposed to critics which pushed him further into the arts as he developed the love for craftsmanship. He mentioned that he started crafting last year as it was sparked by his love for creating and visualizing his craft became a way of presenting himself.

He started selling the handmade products such as trucks and cars as it was a need for him to make a living through craft because he is currently surviving on his grandmother’s grant.

‘’My dream is to own a factory where I could manufacture products and making it internationally where I will be able to travel the world showcasing my work,’’ he further expressed.

His challenges are resources and financial assistance as well as management in regards to promoting his work. He encourages artists to collaborate in order to get recognized such as organizing events such as art festivals in Merafong involving different forms of art.

Mzwandile mentioned that his late mother inspired him and when he thinks of her he is reminded of how she used to support him by making him believe that he become someone one day. His message to upcoming artists is that they should be free to express their art and be themselves.

‘’Sometimes we are confused as artists because we get irrelevant information from different sources and what’s most important is to understand who they are,’’ he concluded. He is currently in need of sponsors and he would appreciate any form of assistance to make his dream come true. He can be contacted on 082 960 0898.