Phum Zile Buthelezi: A Creator on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Artistic Expression

Phumzile Buthelezi is a multifaceted South African artist whose journey is rooted in the vibrant cultural landscape of Soweto, where she was born. Her path to becoming a professional artist reflects her deep connection to the world of craft, storytelling, and self-expression. Describing herself as a creator, Buthelezi believes that she was “created for a purpose”—a purpose she is still discovering. Her work spans across various mediums, from embroidery and fabric painting to printmaking and sculpture, each reflecting her evolving journey as an artist.

Buthelezi’s artistic practice is marked by her constant exploration of materials, forms, and stories, with an emphasis on healing, self-exploration, and the power of narrative. Over the years, she has used her art to delve into personal histories, cultural identities, and her own experiences of growth and transformation. Whether through textiles, collages, or abstract forms, Buthelezi’s work speaks to her desire to understand herself and share her story with the world.

Early Life: Crafting as a Gateway to Art

From an early age, Buthelezi was immersed in the world of craft, a practice that would lay the foundation for her later artistic career. Growing up in Soweto, a community known for its rich cultural heritage and history of resistance, Buthelezi found herself surrounded by the raw materials of everyday life—fabric, beads, thread—and an environment that encouraged creativity. Both of her parents were hands-on, DIY types, and their influence shaped her approach to art. Her mother, a skilled seamstress, was her greatest inspiration, exposing Buthelezi to fabric and textile work from an early age. Her father, who would collect doors and repurpose them in the house, instilled in her a love for working with reclaimed materials, which would later become a key aspect of her art.

While she did not initially consider herself an artist, Buthelezi’s early fascination with embroidery, beadwork, and fabric painting demonstrated her creative potential. As a teenager, she spent time experimenting with these crafts, and it was clear that she had an innate talent for working with materials. This early exposure to different types of artistic expression would later shape her approach to art, allowing her to blend techniques and mediums in new and innovative ways.

Artist Proof Studio: A Gateway to Printmaking and Self-Discovery

The turning point in Buthelezi’s artistic journey came when she joined the Artist Proof Studio, an institution that would open her eyes to the possibilities of printmaking and other artistic practices. Initially drawn to the studio’s work in product development and facilitation, Buthelezi was intrigued by the concept of printmaking, which she had never encountered in such depth before. It was at Artist Proof that she honed her drawing skills, a talent she had realized she possessed when she was a child. This revelation marked a critical moment in Buthelezi’s artistic development, as she began to see herself not just as a crafter but as a full-fledged artist.

At Artist Proof, Buthelezi experimented with a wide range of techniques and practices. She learned to fuse various mediums and ideas together, something that she had not previously considered. The freedom to experiment with materials and to learn from other artists at the studio empowered her to explore new dimensions of her creativity. The experience at Artist Proof, particularly the introduction to printmaking, helped Buthelezi realize how she could combine her love of texture, colour, and form into complex, layered works of art.

One of the significant encounters during her time at Artist Proof was South African artist Helen Sebidi, whom Buthelezi met through the studio. Sebidi’ s steady approach to colour and technique inspired Buthelezi to pay closer attention to how she used color in her own work. Buthelezi recalls that Sebidi not only helped refine her skills but also see how she could carve a career as a Black female artist. Through Sebidi, Buthelezi began to understand the power of controlled, deliberate technique, and how important it was to master the fundamentals before experimenting freely with style.

Inspiration: From Monet to Mabasa, and Her Mother’s Legacy

As Buthelezi’s practice evolved, she began to look to other artists for inspiration. One noteworthy influence came from Claude Monet, whose exploration of light and layering in his work resonated with Buthelezi’s approach to composition and colour. Monet’s ability to create depth and emotion through layers of paint inspired Buthelezi to incorporate similar techniques into her own practice, particularly when it came to printmaking and fabric painting.

In addition to Monet, Buthelezi found herself drawn to the work of South African sculptor Noria Mabasa, who is known for creating sculptures based on her dreams and visions. Mabasa’s ability to manifest intangible ideas into tangible forms left an impression on Buthelezi, sparking her own interest in working with three-dimensional materials and sculptures. Mabasa’s influence encouraged Buthelezi to think more expansively about her own art, and to see it as a means of connecting with different realms of existence—be they spiritual, emotional, or psychological.

However, while other artists provided inspiration and insight, it was her mother who was the greatest influence on Buthelezi’s life and art. Her mother’s love for collecting materials, sewing, and creating objects imbued Buthelezi with a deep understanding of the value of repurposing and transforming materials. Buthelezi learned the importance of working with what one has, and how everyday objects could be transformed into something meaningful and beautiful. Her mother’s ability to turn fabric and other materials into powerful symbols of creativity and resourcefulness shaped Buthelezi’s own approach to art. It was this legacy of working with fabric and creating with purpose that allowed Buthelezi to experiment freely with textiles, collages, and sculptures.

The Power of Storytelling and Art as Healing

A central theme in Buthelezi’s work is storytelling. She uses her art to express her personal journey, to explore her own identity, and to share her experiences with others. Her work is deeply autobiographical, with many pieces serving as reflections of her childhood, her growth as an artist, and her exploration of self. Buthelezi uses various materials—fabric, printmaking, sculpture, and collage—to convey these stories, allowing her work to be both personal and universal.

Buthelezi views art as a form of healing, a tool that allows her to process and navigate the complexities of her past. She uses her work to unpack emotions, memories, and experiences, turning them into tangible objects that can be seen, touched, and experienced by others. This process of creation and expression helps Buthelezi heal from her past, allowing her to work through painful memories and turn them into something positive. For her, art is both therapeutic and transformative—a way to connect with her inner self and with the world.

Her exploration of healing through art also connects to her shift from realism to abstraction. As Buthelezi grew as an artist, she moved away from more literal representations of the world toward abstract forms. She believes that much like the process of self-discovery; art is a journey that requires openness to new possibilities. Abstraction allowed her to express herself in more fluid, open-ended ways, and to explore the emotional and spiritual aspects of her identity.

Changing the Narrative: Empowering Black Female Artists

Buthelezi’s work is informed by her commitment to changing the narrative around Black female artists. At Artist Proof Studio, she noticed the lack of representation of women artists, particularly Black women. This realization spurred Buthelezi to take intentional steps to read more, learn more, and understand the history of women in art. She made a conscious decision to educate herself about the choices that artists make regarding colour, form, and style, particularly female artists who were overlooked or marginalized in mainstream art circles.

This commitment to changing the narrative has become a driving force behind her work. Buthelezi is enthusiastic about creating space for black women in the art world and telling stories that reflect their experiences. Through her work, she seeks to empower other women, especially women of colour, by making their voices heard and their stories visible.

The Future: Maintaining a Daring Spirit

Looking to the future, Buthelezi is committed to maintaining her daring spirit and continuing to push the boundaries of her artistic practice. She is determined not to box herself into any one medium or style, and instead, she plans to keep exploring new ways of expressing herself and telling stories. Her willingness to experiment with different forms—whether through fabric, printmaking, sculpture, or abstract painting—reflects her belief that creativity knows no boundaries.

Her desire to “die empty” reflects her commitment to living a life fully expressed through art. She hopes to leave behind a body of work that not only represents her journey as an artist but also inspires others to find their own voice and share their own stories. Buthelezi’s work is about more than just personal expression—it is about healing, empowerment, and changing the world through art.

Conclusion

Phumzile Buthelezi is an artist whose practice is defined by her constant exploration of materials, mediums, and themes of personal growth, healing, and empowerment. Her journey from a crafter to a professional artist is shaped by her deep connection to the stories of her own life, the influence of her family, and the broader cultural context in which she works. Through her art, Buthelezi continues to push the boundaries of creativity, telling stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her commitment to empowering Black female artists and changing the narrative around representation in art ensures that her work will have a lasting impact on the art world for years to come.