‘How my art competed with school’

Olatubora Joseph is a photorealism artist based in Akure, Ondo State. Here, he talks about his source of inspiration, what draws him to photorealism and his challenges so far. Excerpts: How would you describe your art? My kind of art is called photorealism, using the pen medium. It basically requires that I study a photograph […]

Olatubora Joseph is a photorealism artist based in Akure, Ondo State. Here, he talks about his source of inspiration, what draws him to photorealism and his challenges so far. Excerpts:

How would you describe your art?

My kind of art is called photorealism, using the pen medium. It basically requires that I study a photograph and replicate the image as realistically as possible using a pen or multiple colours of pens. This makes it more unique because it looks more amazing to people whenever I tell them my artworks are made with a pen.

What motivated your style of art?

I love working with pens, recreating pictures in a very realistic way. I find the style fascinating and don’t regret my decision. I find joy in it.

How did your journey as an artist begin?

It all started during my secondary school days, even though I wasn’t into art fully at the time. Immediately I finished my secondary school education I gave it more of my time and was inspired by some great artworks I saw from other artists. I drew with pencils back then, but along the line I developed a preference for using pens.

How challenging has the journey been so far?

It has been full of challenges. My parents would sometimes scold me for drawing when I should be helping them with some house chores. It was really tasking for me as an undergraduate studying Mathematical Science and combining that with art. But glory be to God it is much easier now.

Another challenge we face is that Nigerian artists are sometimes underrated, especially the young and upcoming ones because we don’t really have the full support of the government. Despite these challenges, God has been great so far for me.

What inspired your drawing titled ‘Happiness is Free’?

‘Happiness is Free’ is my favourite artwork so far. When you look at it, it speaks for itself without my interpretation or the help of a third party. I looked deep into our present world and generation and realised that many people are depressed. This is caused by many factors which in turn causes health challenges to these people. I discovered that happiness is a type of healing therapy, so I tried to create the artwork to speak to people that no matter the situation or challenges they face, they should always stay happy. Positivity comes with being happy. It makes you look at your hurdles as something you will surely overcome.

What inspires your art, generally?

It’s the people around me, the things I see, and words I hear. My environment is the major inspiration.

What is the most challenging piece you have worked on so far and why?

It’s ‘Happiness is Free.’ I had a hard time doing that piece. First of all, it is a coloured pen artwork which made it more tasking to achieve. Also, looking at the artwork you can see the children happy and smiling regardless of how dirty they look. Depicting that was really challenging for me but determination and persistence helped me overcome that obstacle. The final result was overwhelming.

What would you say is your major challenge as an artist?

My major challenge has been trying to gain recognition for my work. It has not been easy. Only a few people value art and are ready to pay for it. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped me from moving on because I know and believe there are greater things ahead.

Who is your role model in the art world?

Everyone around me can be my role model at different points in time because once I’m with you and able to gain and learn something from you, you are my role model. But I particularly look up to the great Nigerian pen artist Oscar Ukonu. I would love to be as great as he is in the future.

What’s your favourite part of being an artist?

It’s the uniqueness and beauty art gives me all the time. It makes me feel different wherever I go. Being an artist makes me stand out, and people admire that a lot.

What are you working on currently?

I’m on break having finished some commissioned artworks. But I plan to start hyperrealism animal drawings which I believe is going to wow everyone.

What is that advice you got that stuck with you?

The advice goes thus, “search through yourself, find your greatest potential, work towards it to make it a reality, be persistent and consistent with it. You will surely see greater results.”