BushcraftZ: The roadside artist

Artist: I.Madamombe
Photo: BushcraftZ 2013

For months motorists have had the privilege to a get a front row seat to a sculptural display on the side of the road in the West Rand. The frustration of the snail-paced traffic on Hendrik Potgieter road is soothed by the rear view of witnessing art unfolded over time. Slowly but surely enormous logs morph into a magnificent buffalo, elephant or other creatures under the creative hands of the roadside sculptor. A vision, hard work, determination, perseverance, simple tools and god given talent seem to be the order of the day. A chat with the artist’s brother reveals that inspiration comes from wildlife pictures and the natural shape of the wooden log that is available. He uses traditional family techniques to create these magnificent statues at the side of the road.

The roadside artist is an inspiration to us all to make to best of what we have where and when we can. I wonder if this artist realizes the impact he has in my life?