I didn’t choose Arts, it chose me – Accountant

Weekend Entertainment: Could you briefly tell us a little about yourself?Martins Lawrence: With pleasure my name is Martins Lawrence Akande (Teenez Martinez), I am an Artist and also a graduate of Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.How did you discover your talent for art?I believe everyone has got a unique talent and I am […]

Weekend Entertainment: Could you briefly tell us a little about yourself?
Martins Lawrence: With pleasure my name is Martins Lawrence Akande (Teenez Martinez), I am an Artist and also a graduate of Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
How did you discover your talent for art?
I believe everyone has got a unique talent and I am glad I discovered mine far back when I was young but I never took it serious or invested much time in Arts until I graduated from school.
What art do you mostly identify with?
 I’m mostly identify with Charcoal Pencil Portraits and on rare occasions abstract art and illustrations too for certain projects.
You studied Accounting, but now you are into Art; Is it paying more than Accounting would have paid you?
Arts is something I do for fun and it puts a smile on my face and sometimes for the money (laughing). To put it in a nutshell I can’t say I chose Arts for a Career rather Art chose me  and I will say it has been good so far as Art has taken me to places I never thought I will find myself and I find fulfillment in what I do.
 What motivates you when you paint?
If am not mistaken you mean where do I get inspiration from when I paint? Getting creative is part of what I do or whatever project am working on and this is where it sometimes gets messy. I draw my inspiration from the human face and sometimes the human figure now I know this sounds funny but yeah since I have to observe, analyze each feature of the human face especially the eyes, nose, lips and most interestingly the hair and color tone of the subject model before transferring that into a Charcoal/pencil Art form.
Do you express different feelings when you paint or do you just paint for the sake of painting?
Well talking about expressing different feeling when I draw or just painting for the fact that I just want to paint are two separate thing. Art of course focuses on expression of oneself this could be different feelings of some sorts all depending on what the artist is aiming to achieve. On the other hand I usually don’t paint for the sake that “I just want to paint” there must be a reason before picking up a charcoal or pencil to paint.
What do you think is the most important influence in your art?
The most important influence in my art I must say is the study of the human anatomy, Gross anatomy to be precise since it is concerned with the study of the human structure which can be seen with the naked eyes, this serves as an opportunity for me to express myself and also as an inspiration to work.
How important is the subject matter to your artwork?
The subject matter to my work is of great importance as without that there’s no art. It serves as the primary object, guide and possibly influences the style of Art. So I will say it is key a vital key to my work.

Do you work certain hours of the day or only when you are inspired to work?
Oh well I work when am inspired only in some cases where I have time limit for a particular project then I can work certain hours of the day.
In your opinion what do you think is the role of the artist in the society?
The role of any Artists is vital to any given society since art reaches out and touches people around the world, it provides pleasing emotions, colors, and also certain art can also cause controversy or provoke a society. Because of the versatility of art, an Artist can take whatever role they so wish given the right art for given set of social circumstances.
Asides this, do you do any other thing?
Oh yes, I like Business So I try to create time for both Arts and Business.
As an Account graduate, do you find time to practice?
At the moment I am not practicing until I am done with my Masters. Art is taking so much of my time at the moment but sure some day in the future I will practice.
Which is more important to you, the subject of your painting, or the way it is executed?
Interesting, well both go hand in hand, the subject of my painting is key and very important as such must be executed properly. The way the subject of my painting is being executed also is vital as without the necessary processes or stages involve, then no desired output will be achieved.
What is that one tool you cannot live without in your studio?
(Laughing) My Charcoal pencil of course, without that my studio is not complete.
What is your artistic outlook on life?
My artistic outlook on life is that anything is possible if you put your mind in it, I don’t take life too seriously, I learn everyday and I try to be more creative making use of every symbol life throws at me and try to find beauty in everything.
 Do you have your own Gallery and have you had any exhibition(s)?
At the moment I don’t have a gallery of my own and for exhibitions, not really except for Auctioning of my Paintings, though I have one coming up in 2014 in Oxford UK.
You have made so many paintings, which artwork are you most proud of and why?
 I’m most proud of the Portrait I made for my niece; it is titled “My First Niece”. From start to finish was interesting and I enjoyed every bit of the stages involved. The same artwork was selected amongst others for the Oxford International ArtFair 2014 UK. There I will be showcasing more of my Paintings as an exhibitor.
In your opinion should art be funded?
In my opinion yes Art should be funded since Art funding is also an investment and in some cases it should also focus on funding for innovative, entrepreneurial initiatives, workshops, emerging and experimental artists or cultural purposes.
How would you rate the relevance given to artist by the government?
In Nigeria not so much relevance is given to Artists by the Government and on the other hand an Artist should not wait for the government when it comes to issues like that, I believe if your work is good enough it will definitely speak for you.
Professionally, what is your goal as an artist?
My primary goal as an Artist is to first satisfy my Client since Art itself is a business. Putting a lasting smile on my Client’s face is my number one objective, once this is achieved then every other thing can follow.  So you could say satisfaction of my client is my goal as an Artist.
Your last word on being an artist in Nigeria?
Being an Artist In Nigeria I must say can be challenging sometimes, most people appreciate Art but only few can afford to pay for one in most cases. Obviously we still have a long way to go when it comes to Art related matters or you as an individual being an Artist in Nigeria, but I must say it has been an interesting journey so far with no regrets and hopefully we will get there.