One arm, unlimited possibilities – TUT Ceramics lecturer inspires through art and resilience

Visitors to the TUT Arts Festival are stopping to admire the striking ceramic artworks on display, but behind the beautifully crafted pieces stands an artist whose life story is as remarkable as the work he creates.

Ceramic artist and TUT lecturer Phineas Makhwiting stands alongside some of his distinctive ceramic creations currently on display at the TUT Arts Festival. His work, known for its quality, form and cultural influences, has earned recognition both within and beyond the university. At 58, Phineas Makhwiting, a part-time lecturer in the Department of Fine and Studio Arts within the Faculty of Arts and Design, has spent years proving that determination and passion can overcome even the greatest challenges. A ceramics specialist who teaches senior students, Makhwiting lost his left arm as a child, yet today effortlessly works behind a pottery wheel and continues to inspire students and visitors alike.

Makhwiting obtained a B Tech degree in Fine Arts from TUT in 2010 and has since become a respected ceramic artist whose work is regularly exhibited. His unique creations are often commissioned as special gifts for high-profile guests and are instantly recognisable through their distinctive style and craftsmanship.

His journey began with a tragic accident while he was still in school.

Recalling the incident, Makhwiting explained that he was playing soccer with friends when he tripped and broke his arm just above the wrist. Complications followed, including severe swelling and gangrene, leaving doctors with no option but to amputate the arm to save his life.

He spent two years in hospital undergoing intensive therapy and adjusting to life with a disability.

"I remember when I woke up, I was screaming that I wanted my arm back," he said.

Looking back, however, he believes his experience was part of a greater purpose.

"Now if I think of it, it happened for a reason that God planned. He uses me as an example for the nation," he reflected.

"When people see me work now, they start to believe that anything is possible, especially the students that I teach."

Far from allowing his disability to define him, Makhwiting has turned it into a source of inspiration. Watching him shape clay on a pottery wheel, it becomes clear that he has mastered techniques that many would consider impossible with one arm.

Asked whether he faces challenges in his work, Makhwiting offered a simple response.

"I see none. I have been operating like this for most of my life."

TUT ceramics lecturer Phineas Makhwiting demonstrates his craft at the pottery wheel. Despite losing his left arm as a child, he has mastered the art of ceramics and continues to inspire students through his resilience, skill and expert teaching. His positive outlook is evident in both his teaching and his artistic practice. He describes the defining characteristics of his work as "quality and form," while many of his creations also draw on cultural influences.

"Most of my work has a cultural element in its designs, mostly a combination of cultures," he explained.

For Makhwiting, exhibiting at the TUT Arts Festival provides an opportunity to connect with a broader audience and share his work with the public.

"It is great to be part of the festival, exposing myself to visitors," he said.

Despite his achievements, Makhwiting remains focused on the future. His dream is to see his work gain even greater recognition in the art world and reach wider audiences.

Beyond the studio, he is a devoted family man. He is married to Ernie, a chef, and together they have a daughter, Lerato, who is still at school.

His impact extends far beyond the ceramics workshop. Students speak of a lecturer whose expertise, encouragement and resilience have profoundly shaped their own artistic journeys.

Reabetswe Malete, a third-year Fine Arts student specialising in ceramics, admits that she was initially curious when she first met Makhwiting.

"At first, I thought, 'Who is this guy?' Later, when we started working on a ceramics project, I thought to myself, 'How is a person with only one arm able to do this and I'm struggling with two?'"

She said his classes quickly became lessons not only in ceramics, but also in perseverance.

"He taught me a lot about clay and that to achieve success you must connect with the medium. He also shares tips and tricks."

According to Malete, Makhwiting's knowledge and teaching ability are exceptional.

"He provides expert-level teaching."

Over time, the relationship developed into something much deeper than that of lecturer and student.

"For me, he is more than family, almost a father figure rather than a lecturer. That's why I don't call him sir, but Malome."

PHOTOS: Gerrit Bester