Team Wire creates a buzz in La Lucia
Thomas is now taking orders for Christmas gifts.
BEADED wire art is a popular sight along Armstrong Avenue in La Lucia.
The creative work belongs to Thomas Phiri, who has been beading since 2008, when he arrived in South Africa.
“I left Zimbabwe in the hope of finding better opportunities. I first went to Pretoria where a friend taught me beading. When I moved to Durban in 2017, I took a job as a driver and learnt about the city. I left that job and pursued beading full time,” said Phiri.
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In Zimbabwe, Phiri completed his first year of electrical engineering at college, but he had to leave the country so he was never able to complete his degree.
“Growing up, I used to make wire cars, so the skill was always there. When I went to Pretoria, I learnt more and improved on that skill,” he said.
He chose to relocate to Durban as it is a tourist destination and he knew he would do well with his trade in the city.
“This is my only source of income and I’m in La Lucia selling my art every day, if the weather allows me to,” he said.
A few of the pieces that Phiri creates include a map of Africa, rhino heads, key chains, or anything that will catch a tourist’s eye. He has only done signage for businesses and is now busy with Christmas decorations.
“I work alone, so I have to plan properly. Special projects, like business signage, are done on request. I am taking orders for Christmas now and I have even had some special requests from people overseas,” said a proud Phiri.
It takes him about four hours to make an object that is 27cm in size. The large, eye-catching map of Africa, that motorists and residents see on Armstrong Avenue, took three weeks to make.
“The community of La Lucia has been so good to me. They all want to help me. Even if they don’t buy anything, they come and have a look at my work. The Digital Media Collective handles my social media for me, which I am so grateful for,” he said.
Visit his Facebook page: Team Wire.
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