‘I have big dreams for fabric painting’

What motivated you to start painting? I actually started painting, I mean fabric painting, as a hubby but with a few shows I have attended, I thought I could make a good business out of it. Now I am trying to be well established and even build it up to the level of training other […]

What motivated you to start painting?

I actually started painting, I mean fabric painting, as a hubby but with a few shows I have attended, I thought I could make a good business out of it. Now I am trying to be well established and even build it up to the level of training other women in the trade.

At what stage in your life did you start nursing the ambition of being a fabric painter?

Well, right from time, I was fascinated with designs on T-shirts and deep within me, I imagined doing something like that on fabrics instead of the usual embroideries we have on our clothes. Gradually, like 17 years ago, I tried making my imagination a reality and Alhamdulillah, it is blooming. However, when the style of mixing brocade with lace was in vogue, people’s attention tend to tilt towards that direction but now, painting I can say is the reigning fashion, it’s so unique and classic, more people are coming for it now.

I can see you do the work at home, how do you cope with the kids?

It is definitely not easy but Alhamdulillah I have been coping very well. Most of the time, my attention is divided being that I have to attend to them and at the same time concentrate on the work but still, I can say they are very understanding and especially the grown up ones, they appreciate the fact that I need time to do this so it unfolds naturally, I can simply say I am able to handle the two.

So far, what are the major challenges you are facing in doing this business?

Like in many other professions and trades, the major challenge has been lack of adequate capital that can enable me establish the business to the standard I want. You see if I can have the capital to set up a workshop alongside a showroom, the story would have been different. Even the issue of managing the kids while doing the work will certainly no longer be a problem because there will certainly be a dichotomy between working hours and family time. In fact, I believe that not having a showroom and workshop is the main reason why the business is still were it is but thank God we are still doing fine and hopefully things will change with time. Another challenge has been the issue of shortage of materials and this is due to the fact that we are very few doing this work.

Then how do you mange that, the issue of materials?

I get the paints from abroad and that is why whenever I don’t have anyone travelling for a long time, I run short of materials. Sometimes, I have to suspend work while waiting for the materials to arrive. This problem I feel can be tackled when I have big capital and can be able to travel out and buy the materials, especially the paints in large stock. But apart from the paints which are scarce here, other materials like the beads and stones are readily available at the market.

What about the cost of the materials?

The paint, which is the major thing, is very expensive; I buy each small tin at the cost of two pounds and if I am to buy it here, which has to be from the only shop I have been able to find, I buy each bottle at the cost of N1200. But for others which are available in our markets, they are of different rates and affordable.

How do you get your customers then?

I get them through friends and at the same time I must admit that attending the exhibitions of Nigerian artists in Abuja and that here in Kano in the 2010 paved the way for me to establish contacts because since the two exhibitions, I have witnessed more customers turning up.

How supportive has your husband been?

Honestly, my husband has been very kind and supportive to me. He encourages me in all aspects, both morally and financially, above all, he never disagrees to my going out to pursue my career. He allows me to attend all functions when invited and even insists that I ensure that all that I do is to the best I can.

Have you trained anyone on the trade so far?

I really have a big dream, I want, insha Allah, to establish a training school, apart from the workshop and showroom, where people can come and learn. This way, I can contribute in my little way to addressing the issue of unemployment and redundancy in the society but to do this, I need to be supported by either government or any organisation willing to. And you see also, if I am able to build up, I can supply the materials to my trainees at an affordable rate.

So far have you trained anyone in fabric painting?

I have trained fully just four people. One of them has even established her own business and I trained her for free. I have not been able to train many so far because of the limitations I mentioned earlier. A lot of people have shown interest to the extent that some think I don’t want people to learn but that is not true. The problem is I also have my limitations. On that again, my school is looking into the possibility of introducing it as a course even if it will be for certificate course for now but I advised that I also need to acquire some theoretical background and training from any of the universities either in India, England or any other country offering fabric painting as a course and my Head of Department has been very supportive in that line. He advised that I should write a request while he will pursue it to ensure that it is approved.

But do you think it is going to be easy for people with no background in arts to cope?

The work is actually not too demanding, all it requires is the talent, creativity, zeal and interest.

How long does it take you to paint a piece?

A day is okay, especially when the kids are not around and my attention is completely on the work but if the design is very simple, I do up to three in a day. Usually, I do the painting while the tailoring work is done by my tailors.

What about the cost?

It is affordable; it ranges from N 4, 000 depending on the design.

What advice do you have for women, especially Hausa women considering that people do not perceive them as industrious?

My advice to our women is that we should rise up and utilize our talents. I believe each individual has a hidden talent so we should be creative and industrious. We should try to be inventive and creative. It is always better having something doing, not just for the income but it helps a woman to be useful to herself, her family and the society at large.