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Demonstration, interest and encouragement were the key words of
artist Raqib Bashorun’s address to members of the press during a press
conference held on Monday, April 4 at the Village Creative Studios, Iba New
Site, Lagos.

The conference was held to promote the second edition of the
four-day Skill Matters Workshop scheduled, which opened at the venue on Monday.
According to Iyabo Tijani, publisher of Arts & Artists Magazine and the
programme coordinator, this latest workshop is more advanced than previous
editions.

While the 2010 workshop was limited to designing frames, this
year’s programme covers crafts and proper arts. “This year we’re looking at
doing something different from what we did last year,” she said. Speaking on
the schedule of events lined up for the workshop, she said, “The content of the
programme for this year is a step further than that of last year.”

In highlighting the aim of the workshop, master wood artist,
Bashorun, stated that the workshop presents an opportunity to help interested
participants to learn how to use wood in their craft. He further added that the
workshop is open to all artists and not only to those who have knowledge in
woodwork. “They can do it. They don’t need to have the knowledge to
participate. I never had the knowledge before I developed interest in it,” he
stated.

He noted however that it is important for the artist to have an
interest in woodwork to participate. During the course work shop, the use of
woodwork in pure art will be demonstrated to all the participants and they will
be encouraged to make art pieces themselves.

According to the Bashorun, the workshop is also aimed at
redefining the negative attitude towards wood in Nigeria. “Wood is something we
have in abundance in Nigeria but we take it for granted. We don’t appreciate it
but it’s worth appreciating,” he said.

Bashorun showed his displeasure at the fact that Nigerians will
rather invest in cement than in wood. He said people often use the excuse that
the economy is bad. He however argued that the bad economy is the best time to
invest.

In addition to acquiring skills in woodwork, participants will
also learn entrepreneurial skills. “The programme is actually a skill for
profit,” Bashorun explained.

Questions were entertained during the press conference. A
question was raised about if it is possible to achieve all the proposed plans
for the workshop. Bashorun responded by saying, “That’s the idea of workshops,
to be kept busy.” He reiterated the fact that the workshop is designed for
people to learn. “Once you say you’re coming for the workshop, then it means
you’re ready to imbibe something,” he affirmed.

The Skill Matters Workshop continues
today and ends tomorrow.