“Artwork can amend ills of society”

Excerpts:

What does Art mean to you, what elicited your interest in it, and how did your journey begin?

Art is a visual expression of ones feeling. I would say that art is spiritual because it is the expression of inward feelings to outward appearance. My initial ambition was to be a pilot. This was as a result of my early school days in the Nigeria Air Force Primary School. Seeing aircraft around me sparked my interest in being a pilot.

But as God would have it, the whole idea of my initial ambition changed, when I noticed, I could do well in the drawing aspect of elementary science, Biology and Art as well as all other related subjects that involved drawing. When it comes to labeling, I was a bit weak, I did very well that I drew for my classmates who asked for my help.

To further help me, I joined the press club in my secondary school and was made the cartoonist of the club. So, I used my drawing or so to say, Art to correct abnormalities in the society. Having noticed my talent, I didn’t think I needed a prophet to tell me to study Art in the higher institution.

Definitely as an Artist, you have a statement, can you tell us?

My Artist statement documents the mores experiences of my society to serve as a voice of vision in my own time.

Who inspired you in art; who were your mentors?

I greatly benefited under the tutelage of the great Artist, Duke Asidire, and his works. Asidire Art experience inspired me a great deal and I am proud to mention his name with great honour. Another Artist that made a great impact on me is Mr. Evaarherhe Ufuoma. Ufuoma, who consistently criticized my works.

Based on your experience, how do you think the Nigerian Art movement can be changed?

The Nigerian Artists movement can be changed by the Artists themselves. This can be achieved by organizing seminars, workshops and get-together to discuss the problems and solutions that could help the Art industry forge ahead.

As a secondary school student, did you get encouragement by your parents to study Art considering that many parents see Art as non- lucrative profession?

At the initial stage, my parents did not support my idea of studying Arts. But in the long run, when they began to see the prospect even right from my secondary school, they had no choice than to support me.

How has your work contributed in changing moral decadence in the society?

Some of my piece have gone a long way to ignite cultural reawakening, and the lost cultural values in my country. My work has also showcased the culture and buzzing city life; because I live in the city and would tell stories of what revolves around me.

With the advent of the social media, how has modern technology enhanced production and marketing of Art work for Artists?

With the social media, the world has become a global village. The social media technology has really enhanced Art production by helping Artists get materials from anywhere in the world and in marketing their works.

Social media has been wonderful. A big thanks to the inventors, it has become a veritable means of selling our works without necessarily going through the galleries who usually represent you, and sell your works.

What are your steps in preparing for a new piece?

In preparing a new piece, after going through the sketching and primary process, having found myself inspired by a location or making imaginative sketches, I often use it as a basis for more than one painting with each version.

What is the driving force behind your works?

I experiment with elements that best convey my experience with the subject leading to evocative images. Using landscape as a subject to work with, when I see undulation of the land as well as the various levels which the rooftops take and how light affect them, it’s always a driving force for me to paint.

Tell us about the exhibitions you have attended and how such impacted on your experience in Arts?

I have attended numerous Art exhibitions. But the most memorable was the one I attended in the United States of America. I was part of the exhibitors: Contemporary Arts and Culture of Nigeria and Center for Contemporary Arts and Culture, Chicago, Illinois. In the exhibitions, I really learnt how Art exhibitions should be packaged based on international standards.

Interestingly, you are also a photographer, how does photography inspire your sense of art?

Remember, I said earlier that in my artist statement that I do document the mires and experiences of my society. In doing these, I could capture my intended scene with my live sketches. So, I employ the use of camera to further add to my creativity in telling the stories around me.

When capturing images, what are the things you look out for?

When capturing images in photography, I look out for candid shots, colour effects and eye captivating objects.

Apart from being an artist and photographer, you are also a musical instrumentalist. How has being an instrumentalist affected you, Art wise?

If you look out for a good African music, they are music that are well simplified. Check out a good Africa art also, they share the same basic principles (simplicity). So, being a musical instrumentalist has really affected my simplified approach to art.

Can you mention any notable place(s) were tour works were used for decorations?

My painting hangs in the banking hall of the GTbank nationwide and some private homes.

What advice do you have for the younger Artists?

In life, there are various choices one could make. I would advise the younger Artists to make the right choice like choosing the right mentors, right friends and right books to read and improve their works from the last they did. To crown it all, the younger Artists should give their works good packaging to sell their products profitably.