My passion for painting keeps me going, Maryam says

“Artists are often discouraged about making money from their artworks as they fear their works may not be appreciated,” Maryam Maigida, an artist has told Daily Trust.  The Fine Arts graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in an interview revealed that she has had passion for painting and turning it into a venture during her […]

“Artists are often discouraged about making money from their artworks as they fear their works may not be appreciated,” Maryam Maigida, an artist has told Daily Trust. 

The Fine Arts graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in an interview revealed that she has had passion for painting and turning it into a venture during her 300 level when the university introduced an entrepreneurship class.                         

“The entrepreneurship classes further raised my zeal to use my talent as a means of business,” she said.  On those she targets to sell her artworks, Maryam said: “My clients are mostly newly wedded couples, hotels, guest houses, interior design firms and also people who generally appreciate art. 

“I market my works via social media especially Instagram.  An interior design firm, ‘Gold Concepts’ has also requested for some of my paintings to display them along with their furniture and also to help me market the artworks,” she noted.

The young woman in business has appreciably reaped some goodwill. “So far I have sold over 80 pieces of my artwork and it has helped me to become self-reliant.  I could assist the house now, and most importantly, I donate to charity,” Maryam enthused.         

To Maryam who has been in the business for three years, the secret of her success lies in being passionate about what one does. She added that one must remain dedicated and focused with a readiness to face risks. Like every business, her painting venture is without challenges. She has a hurdle of getting people to appreciate an art piece. “We are in a country where the citizens don’t give so much value to art, but in recent years, the art market is developing fast, so I would say there is more hope,” Maryam quipped.

 Another challenge for her is that producing artworks are time consuming. Maryam said it could take 99 per cent of the artist’s attention. Hence, it may be complicating when combined with the home front.

She advised young artists to be confident and believe in themselves, stay focused and never give up on producing art works.  Maryam Maigida’s art works have received a formal recognition from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and will be displayed on the Visual Arts segment of the network’s Newsline programme soon, she said.