A right-handed right arm amputee, who recently completed a fine arts degree using his left hand, has given Duncan Village’s disabled a ray of hope as he hosts art classes for around 50 physically disabled people.Mdantsane-born Phumzile Gaza, who lost his arm following a car accident in 1994, said he had been inspired to host the classes when he heard about the group through a social worker at Rehab, an institution which works with the disabled
The group is already involved in making traditional attire for sale to the public and Gaza said he felt they needed another skill to add to what they already had.
He said the weekly lessons kicked off with clay modelling, with painting to be offered in the second phase.
The group’s disabilities range from partial blindness and twisted limbs to those reliant on crutches.
“I was completing the last few days of my contract at Rehab when I heard the social worker in charge of the project talking about how much she wished she could offer the group something more than what they were currently doing to try and scrape together a decent living,” Gaza said.
“I decided to offer them the only thing I knew wouldn’t cost a cent, which was art lessons.
“I approached the group with my idea and they were very keen. I organised some clay so we could get started. Two members of the group indicated that they would love to learn how to paint, so I will introduce that next.
“I decided on the clay modelling as a start because I thought it was something that goes well with the traditional clothes they are already making. Now they can make additional things like calabashes or sculptures.
“It’s also an easy introduction to art as everyone involved is disabled.”
Gaza, who recently graduated from the University of Fort Hare, said because he had lost his arm at a young age he understood the need to have a skill in order to make a living.
His arm was amputated after the circulation to his hand died following the accident and he was forced to give up on his first love, maths and science, while still in high school.
“I was struggling to hold things like protractors and other equipment in the lab, so I decided to give up on my two favourite subjects.
“Even when I was applying to university, my first choice was computer science, because I doubted I could ever become artistic again after losing my right hand.
“When I heard that course was full, I impulsively decided to take art instead, a decision which paid off in the end.”
Gaza is to scheduled to have his first exhibition at Rehab next month, with 15 of his artworks on display.
He said he was holding the classes at Rehab in the hope that it would teach the members how to make a living.
“They really struggle to make ends meet, but hopefully that will end now.” — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
Amputee teaches skills to disabled
Mdantsane-born Phumzile Gaza, who lost his arm following a car accident in 1994, said he had been inspired to host the classes when he heard about the group through a social worker at Rehab, an institution which works with the disabled
The group is already involved in making traditional attire for sale to the public and Gaza said he felt they needed another skill to add to what they already had.
He said the weekly lessons kicked off with clay modelling, with painting to be offered in the second phase.
The group’s disabilities range from partial blindness and twisted limbs to those reliant on crutches.
“I was completing the last few days of my contract at Rehab when I heard the social worker in charge of the project talking about how much she wished she could offer the group something more than what they were currently doing to try and scrape together a decent living,” Gaza said.
“I decided to offer them the only thing I knew wouldn’t cost a cent, which was art lessons.
“I approached the group with my idea and they were very keen. I organised some clay so we could get started. Two members of the group indicated that they would love to learn how to paint, so I will introduce that next.
“I decided on the clay modelling as a start because I thought it was something that goes well with the traditional clothes they are already making. Now they can make additional things like calabashes or sculptures.
“It’s also an easy introduction to art as everyone involved is disabled.”
Gaza, who recently graduated from the University of Fort Hare, said because he had lost his arm at a young age he understood the need to have a skill in order to make a living.
His arm was amputated after the circulation to his hand died following the accident and he was forced to give up on his first love, maths and science, while still in high school.
“I was struggling to hold things like protractors and other equipment in the lab, so I decided to give up on my two favourite subjects.
“Even when I was applying to university, my first choice was computer science, because I doubted I could ever become artistic again after losing my right hand.
“When I heard that course was full, I impulsively decided to take art instead, a decision which paid off in the end.”
Gaza is to scheduled to have his first exhibition at Rehab next month, with 15 of his artworks on display.
He said he was holding the classes at Rehab in the hope that it would teach the members how to make a living.
“They really struggle to make ends meet, but hopefully that will end now.” — zisandan@dispatch.co.za
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