David Murati

Art and craft background
"I was born on March 03, 1967 at Tshakhuma, Venda. My home place is famous for its woodcarvers. I was particularly influenced by my uncle, Mr. Churchill Madzivhandila, and already started to work as an artist at the age of 18. I sold my first pieces at the Ditike Arts and Crafts Center in Thohoyandou, Venda and participated in my first exhibition in 1987 at the Venda Sun Hotel."

Venda tradition
"Whenever I start carving a sculpture, I look at the natural form of the wood seeking to make a significant artistic statement. Although most of my pieces are rather small, they are very expressive. Aside of traditional motives, a good number of my sculptures reflect painful situations at our place, such as domestic violence and women abuse. I participated in different workshops, competitions and exhibitions. I am proud and happy that my sculptures not only found their way all over South Africa but even reached overseas."