‘Why water is an essential element in my paintings’

Going by your work since 2017, where you always use the element of water, it appears you are working on a series. Can you give more insight on those particular works? Yes, I actually worked on a series, although not all of my works are. I use water as a common element, which are reflected […]

Going by your work since 2017, where you always use the element of water, it appears you are working on a series. Can you give more insight on those particular works?

Yes, I actually worked on a series, although not all of my works are. I use water as a common element, which are reflected on some of my works. It represents a peaceful state of mind. That’s because water is calm, friendly and peaceful. Just as the saying goes ‘water has no enemy’. Also, I try to portray the need for water, which cannot be overemphasized. For example, my piece ‘Necessity of the Natives’ portrays two children fetching water from the stream. The principal message my paintings carry are that of hope, joy and peace. So, basically, the water effect common in my paintings represents peace, which is to say that no matter what life throws at you, you should always be at peace with yourself.

Your works seem to be mainly oil on canvas. Is there any particular reason for that?

It’s easier for me to manipulate oil colour because of its slow drying nature. That gives me enough room and time to give proper detail, and finishing to my paintings.

How did you start painting, generally?

I started painting in 2013, using water colour and acrylic on paper in school. Then it was just for academic purposes. In 2016, I switched over to using oil colour on canvas after being motivated by a couple of good artists I met here in Abuja. 

The first kinds of paintings I saw was realistic paintings, and that was on TV. I was actually one of those who thought it was a photograph and not a painting, but then I got convinced that it was a painting after watching videos of the works in progress. I got inspired from there on to do something realistic, though at that time my drawings were not good enough. 

I greatly got inspired after meeting some very good realistic painters like Clement Nwafor, Oswald Uruakpa rest in 2016 when I first came to Abuja. I marvelled  their works a lot. After having conversations with them and seeing them working I really got motivated. Their elderly counsel went a long way in helping me discover my talent and to work hard.

What was the experience like working on your very first painting?

I was very scared and too careful because I didn’t want to make errors. Little did I know that the more careful I was, the more errors I make. My first painting wasn’t funny and that’s because I messed myself up with colours because I was finding it hard to handle my brushes. 

It was a nice experience for me because I learnt a lot from my errors. I was very happy when I started because I found myself doing when I started because I found myself doing what I love, although at some point I felt disappointed with myself because I couldn’t get a good job done.

What particular work has challenged you the most and how did you meet that challenge?

The most challenging work I have ever done so far was a work commissioned by a client in 2017. He wanted me to paint him in military regalia, standing in front of an armoured tank. It was tough for me because the only reference he gave portrayed just his face. It was my job to create the fantasy, put on him a military regalia and create the armoured tank. That piece took me more than a month to complete. 

How do you view the development of art in Nigeria presently?

Art is fast growing in Nigeria. Lately, Nigerians have become more interested in art. So many Nigerian artists are now going international. Nigerians now value and buy artworks. This is actually remarkable and heart-warming. So generally speaking, art is growing very fast in Nigeria and I think and feel that it’s a sector that our government needs to start giving attention to and investing in.

How do you approach your work? Do you have a singular approach to each work or are they varied?

I use different approaches in achieving each work. Some of my pieces are more complex than others. 

What tools do you prefer working with?

The tools I prefer working with are brushes, pencils, oil colours and canvas.

How will you describe your favourite piece, ever?

I don’t think I have a particular piece I can call my favourite. I try to get better on every new piece, and that means after a new piece I have a new favourite. So, that’s to say, the more I improve on my paintings, the more favourite works I have.

What other aspects of art do you plan to explore?

The aspect I would like to explore aside painting is sculpture. I like it a lot and practiced it a little in school.

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently, I’m working on a painting series which I titled ‘Freedom’. It’s a series which will have five different paintings. I have done the first one which I call ‘Verge of Freedom’ and I’m working on the second one now.