Anita David: Female sculptors have restrictions

Anita Asachaya David is a female sculptor. She is currently teaching at the University of Maiduguri. The Fine Arts graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,  who is currently running an MFA Sculpture programme at the institution spoke on thriving in the seemingly male-dominated arm of Fine Art. There are more female painters than sculptors. What […]

Anita Asachaya David is a female sculptor. She is currently teaching at the University of Maiduguri. The Fine Arts graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,  who is currently running an MFA Sculpture programme at the institution spoke on thriving in the seemingly male-dominated arm of Fine Art.

There are more female painters than sculptors. What was the attraction to it?
When I decided to specialize in sculpture, I wasn’t conscious of male dominance in the area. I chose sculpture because I believe being a sculptor will give me an edge in life. Sculpture is vast! I grew up using my fingers to create.
My father studied Printing Technology, so, as a child growing up, I watched him draw and also print at home. He used to print pictures and inscribed on T-shirts manually. I observed and got the opportunity to take part in minor aspects of the process. I learnt painting mostly in secondary school and a little graphics at my father’s printing press. When I got to university, I decided to specialize in sculpture.
Sculpture I got to know is very wide compared to other practical areas of Fine Arts. As a sculptor, I learned to model, carve, cast, weld and construct, using clay, concrete, metal sheets, iron rods, wood, fibre glass, bronze and other materials usable. The basic of sculpture is modeling. A sculptor can use any flexible material that can be worked to model. A sculptor can model with a material to finishing or can decide to cast. Kinetic sculpture is another possibility. Do you know that the process of producing vehicles involves sculptors too?
They produce clay models that can be studied by styling experts familiar with what the public is likely to accept.  I can go on and on talking about sculptural possibilities. These possibilities made me choose sculpture over other areas of fine arts. Also, you cannot be a sculptor without having appreciable knowledge of other areas of fine arts. Thus, a sculptor is an all rounder in Fine Arts.
What project are you working on at the moment?
I am working on biomorphic sculptures in terracotta, with the theme ‘Friendship.’
Why did you choose this subject for your research?
One of the earliest African sculptures was terracotta sculptures of the Nok Culture, Nigeria. They proved to be strong and durable. They were found in different locations on different occasion, in different circumstances.
If works such as the Nok terracotta are surviving till date, why then should the usage of the material for finished sculptural works, be phasing out. I chose to research in this direction, to help revive the dying love for finished works in terracotta and also to encourage it’s usage as it is cheap to acquire. I chose my theme to encourage unity in the diversity of our country Nigeria.
What does it feel like being the only female sculptor in the University of Maiduguri?
It feels good. It is a privilege to be a staff of the University of Maiduguri. I love my job; I love my employer. It is a beautiful University, where students and staff welfare is given priority. Academic excellence and discipline is the University’s interest.
What are the challenges of a female sculptor?
Being a female sculptor feels normal and possible; but having people to believe in a woman’s ability, can be a challenge sometimes.
Personally, once I mention to most people who know what sculpture is, that I am a sculptor, they are surprised. Some don’t believe that I am capable, even when they see my sculptural works. A major challenge is the physical aspect of it. Some forms of sculpture require usage of physical energy. It’s not that women don’t have enough strength to do such works, but because of nature, we have our limit.
For instance, when a female sculptor gets pregnant, she is restricted from doing some activities she desires to do or is used to doing, due to the effect it may have on the pregnancy. Some married female sculptors may not be supported by their husbands to practice, which may be due to how sculpture is being regarded by many to be a male’s work and not a female’s. Aside from these challenges, I can’t presently think of more.
What are/is the most prominent feature(s) of your works and why?
I produce representational/realistic sculptures. But I concentrate a lot on biomorphic sculpture. In Fine Art, the term ‘Biomorphic Abstraction’ describes the use of rounded abstract forms based on those found in nature, also referred to as ‘Organic Abstraction.’ Most of my biomorphic works are rounded in form, I like sculpting the feminine form in abstracted manner. I like to use the feminine form because of its beauty, its flow of form, and the subtle but solid nature it has.
In the North, particularly the Islamic oriented areas, representational sculptures are not encouraged. So, because of the subject or the message I may want to pass across, I prefer to go abstract so that no one rejects my work. I choose biomorphic because nature has more than enough for me to harness.
What do they represent?
My works represent people, they represent events, they advocate, they promote, encourage and celebrate people, and the society.
As an artist, would you say your art advocates anything?
O yes! My art advocates. It advocates so many causes, depending on the subject of interest. For example, I produced a sculptural piece that is meant to fight against aborting pregnancy. I did that because we still have a lot of cases where girls/women die in the process of terminating mostly unwanted pregnancy.
Most disheartening to me is the termination of the developing innocent life. I titled it ‘Brutal.’ Presently, the theme of my research is centred on ‘Unity.’ Believe it or not, we still have a long way to go in Nigeria when it comes to the issue of tolerance. If we don’t accept our differences, we will never go very far in nation building. Can two work together, unless they agree? My works play a vital role in society.
What’s your favourite place to see art?
I don’t have a favourite place in particular. It depends on the type of work in question.  There are different art works that suits particular places.
What’s the most indispensable item in your studio or that you work with?
Clay is the item. To cast, I have model with clay first. I can also model and fire (terracotta). Clay is flexible, you can add and subtract. Clay co-operates very well, it is sweet to use and inexpensive. Without money, I can produce as many sculptures as I want, it only takes digging up clay available in my environment.
What inspires the works you do?
Nature, issues and events are my major sources of inspiration.
Do you collect any item?
Yes I do. Some sculptures, ceramics and paintings.
How do you expect to cope in a seemingly male dominated area?
I expect to excel. It’s all about what I can do. I strive to do better than my male counterparts. Being a female in this area is an advantage. I believe what matters most is how good I am in my field.
What’s the first art work you sold?
A piece of sculpture titled ‘Togetherness,’ which I produced using cow horns.
Were you emotionally attached to it?
Sure! I was emotionally attached to it. It felt as if a part of me was gone. Till date, I have been unable to produce the exact piece again.
What work of art do you wish you owned?
Hmmmm! So many that I can’t specifically say.
What international art destination do you most want to visit?
Rome; the home of the renaissance artists.
Who is your favourite living artist and what is it about him/her you like?
This is really difficult. I hope it doesn’t send a wrong  message out there. I look up to so many artists. Many of them have played different and very important roles in my life on different occasions, and are still doing so.
But, there is this one person that never gives up on me to see that I remain a sculptor. He helped me to build more skills; he encouraged me to stay in the game of sculpture. He is constantly making ways for me to participate in art events. He is Prof. Tonie Okpe, a Sculpture Professor at the Department of Fine Arts, Ahmadu Bello University, and Zaria.