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Why Art?

As a child, I used
to draw a lot. I won drawing competitions when I was in Primary School.
However it was when I got into Secondary School that it finally dawned
on me that art was really what I wanted to do. I was tutored and guided
by my art teacher then, Mr. Imo of blessed memory. He was a lecturer at
the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) at the time and was also an
art instructor at my school.

Training

I gained admission
into YABATECH to study Art. I also have a diploma to teach art. Every
other knowledge I have of my craft was learnt on the job.

Medium

I use oil colours. I have done watercolours. I draw a lot but I do not touch acrylic.

Influences

Kolade Oshinowo, my
lecturer at YABATECH, is one of my major influences. However, I am not
too much into external influences. For me, the struggle in art is
listening to your voice. The constant struggle to better yourself is
also part of this. You keep moving and trying. You keep telling
yourself ‘I can do better’. Influences will come and go but you must be
focused.

Inspiration

Everything in life
inspires me. I do landscape, waterscape, figures and abstract art. I am
a rounded artist. My inspiration varies. I see art as very universal.

Best work so far

I have not gotten
one yet. My love for my pieces is temporal. I may like it for a while,
after that the feeling is gone. So I am on the search for the best
work.

Least satisfying work

After a while, I
get bored. All my past works are least satisfying. No art work is
completely finished. It’s a continuous process.

Career high point

Success is what you feel inside after your work is done. I believe every work, I do can be better.

Favourite artist living or dead

I respect Picasso a lot. Also Rembrandt. My Nigerian favourites are Kolade Oshinowo, Yusuf Grillo and Gani Odutokun.

Ambitions

To do a great painting. I also want my works to have widespread influences.