Why artists are self-centred – Painter

What drew you to painting? I have always loved nature. I love the uniqueness of everything in nature. And I equally love colours. I have learnt a lot from nature which is a conglomerate of colours. What was your source of encouragement? I actually got my encouragement from my mum. She is also arts inclined […]

What drew you to painting?

I have always loved nature. I love the uniqueness of everything in nature. And I equally love colours. I have learnt a lot from nature which is a conglomerate of colours.

What was your source of encouragement?

I actually got my encouragement from my mum. She is also arts inclined and really encouraged me to take the path

Who are your role models?

They are too numerous to mention.  I am not too specific. But if I see your work as an artist of course I will be inspired. I love Picasso one of the pioneers of art. I love his work and his style. I love inspiring art works. I love anything challenging, be it painting or sculpture. Of course, I love all the great names you can think of. I love the impressionists because their style impresses me a lot. I love the works of Yinka Shonibare, an artist based abroad.

What is the motive behind your paintings?

Painting is actually a passion for me. It is specifically a medium to express myself. I try to bring any particular concept in my mind into reality. It gives me joy to see things that have been lying idle in me manifest on the canvass.

Some people still look down on artists especially painters. Why is this so?

It is just the mentality of a few. It is only an educated mind that appreciates what art is and values it. If you look down on an artist, well, it is your business. Lots of artists are even more focused than any group of people you can mention. We are social engineers from whatever perspective you may want to view it. We solve problems. A painting is not simply a painting. It solves problems. There are a lot more people who appreciate the artist.

Painters are seen as an unfriendly set of people who find it hard to mingle with others. Is this true?

It depends on the person. It is not a general trend. We are human beings and of course we are different from one another. I think it is a biased statement. For myself, it is not true. It is simply a mentality that is unfounded. Others even see an artist as someone who is not God fearing. But that is not true. Some see us as rugged, but those are just personal opinions with no basis. You cannot gather one thousand artists and make a general statement about them. It is just a misconception.

What was the reaction of your parents when you delved into the arts?

They were initially against it as they thought nothing would come out of it. They wanted me to go for the so called famous professions like medicine, law and engineering but I stood my ground. But for some time now they have come around. My mum, on her par,t has been a great source of encouragement so far. They now see it not just a talent but a calling for me.

What are the basic challenges facing artists, especially painters in Nigeria today?

We have a problem with the collectors. Artists are not making enough gains from their works due to the activities of some collectors. It is not all about the money but expressing yourself. If it is all about the money, then there would be no need seeing it as a challenge. Leonardo is not just Leonardo. Why is he a name to be reckoned with even after many years? The problem, for me, is more from the collectors. Someone wants to see the artist for a work and the collector will tell him or her that he is the artist. They take credit for the works at times because they are insecure. It might not be because the person wants to buy the art work but because he wants to meet the artist. The major problem for me is the activities of some dubious collectors.

Some view artists as pauperized while others see them as wealthy people who prefer to live austere lives. Which group do you fall under?

There is no basis for such assumptions. Artists are rich, true; artists are poor, true. It depends on the percentage you are talking about. I don’t have that information. It is not all about riches or poverty for me; it’s all about satisfaction and contentment. If not being too rich is your contentment, it’s okay and if it is the other way round, fine.

Are you very rich or very poor?

I am rich because I have a lot of ideas.

Artists are really not organized like other entertainment based professions. Why is this so?

Artists are very self-centred.  It is a profession in which everybody prefers to stand alone. If it is a group everybody still stands alone. It is not like the musicians or the actors who operate in groups. We could come out and stand as group but at the end it is an individual thing. You could have an artist colleague who is very close to you and he or she may have a project or concept with him but he would not share it with you because he sees you as a threat. However there is a society of Nigerian artists that I belong to and we are trying to tackle these challenges. There is also the female artist society in Nigeria.

What projects are you embarking on?

I am embarking on an exhibition which was supposed to hold last year. But it will hold this year by God’s grace. I am trying to create new things for my audience to ponder about and get psychologically satisfied from.

What is your philosophy of life?

Life is for living, death is for dying. Whatever time you have as a human being in life, use it very well. Be accountable for every of your actions.