Painting helps me over come my fears – Ella Onyebe

Ella Onyebe is known for her pottery and paintings as well as her generous use of colours. She speaks about her journey so far as a visual artist.  What was the motivation to become an artist? I have always had a great passion for art since childhood. I mean anything that has to do with […]

Ella Onyebe is known for her pottery and paintings as well as her generous use of colours. She speaks about her journey so far as a visual artist. 

What was the motivation to become an artist?

I have always had a great passion for art since childhood. I mean anything that has to do with art like dancing, painting, drawing and theater. My full concentration has been in the area of painting and drawing. I wasn’t practicing but I could sit down for hours to watch other artists doing what I thought was magic with their talents. I still remember days when I would walk long distances to an art studio/gallery which belonged to a great artist who was popularly known as “Bushman” I can’t ever forget about his great Works. I think that was where all the inspiration came from to become a great artist today. He is still surprise I actually became an artist. Am sure he will always be glad whenever he remembers me. 

Ella Onyebe

Many know you as a potter, others know you for your painting and mixed media. Which of these represents you?

For a long time now, I have been known for my pottery works especially in 2009 when I had my solo exhibition. The National Gallery of Arts recognized me as a great pottery artist in Nigeria. I was not known for any other works. I have always expressed my arts in ceramics. Not like it’s easy, but I love to work on them. I stopped for a while because of the low patronage and moving from place to place. The items could easily break. But after some years, my friends asked what happened to my pottery, why only painting? One of them said, it is what I Am known for and I should bring it back to the market. That made me return to painting on ceramics. I had a great potter in Ushafa pottery, Saidu, for whom I could draw anything and he would bring it out just the way it is. He died 3years ago. I have done some fantastic works on pottery which are seen here. They are about 5ft tall and took a very long time to paint. The owner specifically gave me the idea she wanted. She was patient for a very long time and today she has them in her beautiful home. I can say ceramics do represent me most because of the beautiful painting and designs I choose for them.

What has been the most difficult part as an artist?

Well especially recent times it has been difficult in terms of sales of works. The longer it is to sell your works the more difficult it is to pay your bills and to buy more materials. It is a big challenge and I am a full time studio Artist. I am yet to get space for a gallery but very soon by God’s grace, I will have one and keep working hard. I am looking forward to a greater Nigeria where Artist can easily be patronized and the Nigerian government can open an art market where they help you sell your works. There is a lot of competition in the Nigerian art production today. You will be amazed when you visit most artists in Nigeria. Most of us are representing the country around the world.

How have you becomes your personal challenge to arrive where you are today?

I am grateful for how far I have come with my art. The truth about art is, the more you work the better you become. My art has taken me places and my works are around the world today because of the exposure and the experiences. I can never regret being an artist. In my next life, I still want to be an artist. I love it with a passion, despite the challenges I face.

Could you tell us about your style and why and why are you comfortable with it? 

I prefer abstract, mixed media works and painting. I try to paint in patterns and I’m comfortable with it because I can easily express myself. I work with a lot of African motifs in my painting. Some have meanings and why they are involved, while some are added to make a beautiful piece.  This takes a lot of creativity because you can’t just paint anything without having a clear picture of what you are doing. I overcome my fears whenever I paint. I don’t wait for client to accept what I have done. Creativity is a deep thing that comes from God. People will always see something new through your works.

Do you have a favourite work? Please tell us about it.

I have two favourite works I have sold out. One was a 36”X48” acrylic on canvas titled ‘Royal family’ which took me one year to complete. Every details in this work has a lot of pattern like fabrics which was in my early days when I started expressing my creativity using designs I see on fabrics or waited for inspiration on what to paint next.  The second painting – ‘Beautiful Heart’ – is a very colourful abstract piece. It’s a painting of a horse side portrait but you would hardly see it but if you carefully follow the lines you may be able to see it. These painting are very dear to my heart.

Ella Onyebe

What are your favourite theme(s) to work with?

Most of my paintings have to do with African women and celebrating feminism and who we are, our culture and lifestyle. 

You seem to be branching into interior designs could you share with us the motivation behind this?

For a long time I have been into interior works like painting for homes and offices, POP for ceilings, walls and mould designs. So far I have done amazing works and I have people who work for me in terms of plain painting for interiors and exteriors while I do the murals and faux painting myself. One thing I am so happy about is how happy my clients are after they see the work. Being an artist can drive you into many professions and you will even do better

Geometry and lines feature quite a lot in your works…

Yes they do, because I easily express them on a lot of my works.

How has your practice changed over time?

Every experience and training, I have gone through has had a great impact on my work. What I have learned in February this year in Agbara otor during the Harmattan Workshop has had great influence on my work. 

Who has the most influence in you?

Bruce Onobrakpeya, Mummy Nike, Sam Ovraiti, Uzoma Samuel. The list is endless.

What’s your muse?

Colours! I love colours, you can them see all over my art work. I love vibrant and bright colours they can change my mood at any time, I love to see other artworks done by amazing artists. When I see pictures of colours, they blow my mind. If you want to get me to paint, just throw colorful things to me, they make me happy all the time.

What food, drink, song inspires you?

I love Caesar salads, white rice and peppered stew with roasted bush meat (yes.. bush meat) with pomo (cow skin) and dry cat fish. For drinks, to be sincere is water. I also love red wine, white wine, Zobo, and smoothies. But water comes above all. For songs, I love Fela Kuti collections, Bob Marley collections, Celine Dion and Naya Mix.

Could you tell us three artists you would like to be compared to or aspire to be like?

I don’t want to be compared to any artist because every artist is unique in their style and kind of art, and the way they express themselves with it. I dream to grow and become more accomplished in my art journey, and to also inspire other young upcoming artists

What is your dream project?

To have an artist center in Abuja where students can come for industrial trainings, workshops, in all fields of arts, including graffiti and also a large gallery where artists will come and participate.