I have always been creative, my earliest memories of my creativity would be having drawing competitions with my older brother at the age of 6. The first day of school in Islington making fruit and vegetables from around the world made from clay. Born in Nigeria my culture has alway been close to my heart. Embracing who I am as a woman, daughter, sister, friend and lover. I am of mixed heritage so being able to connect with other comes easy. My best friend introduced me to the west indian culture. The vibriency of food and music very similar you my own.
My artistic journey has always come from my admiration for the female form. All that she is, all she can create, transforms and embodies. This has been my focus from GCSE and A Levels. At this point in my life I found out I was suffering from depression which I later discovered was common for most creative people. There was a dark sadness within me dealing with hormones and body changes. It always felt like my body was a focus. I was fine with myself, thick in the right places and waiting for the rest of that puppy fat to go. I drawing and Painting were not as strong but I was always creating something.
I developed a love for mixed media through my creative journey. The most vivid period would be in my foundation year at college as we were encouraged to play with materials and explore their possibilities. It really prepared me for my choice in University course. With a 2:1 BA Hons degree I refined my skills learnt from my Applied Arts course using Ceramic, Wood, metal and plastic.
Tamara de lempicka
Rene Margritte
Peju Alatise
Lionel Smit
Vincent Van gogh
Kehinde Wiley
Barkley L. Hendricks
Titus Kaphar
Wadsworth Jarrell
Jeff Donaldson
Archibald Motley
Njideka akunyili crosby
Kai Carpenter
Nelson Stevens
Beuford smith
Jack Whitten
Ayogu kingsley
Sandra chevrier
Kareem Waris
Jon Moody
Christian guemy
Jeremiah Quarshie
Cherie Strong
Most of my recent art work has been produced within the winter months as I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression caused by low vitamin D due to lack of sunlight. This disorder mainly affects people of colour due to the melanin in our skin. After some research I quickly realised I need to influence my mood in a positive and productive way. Painting became a way of therapy for me and is the time of the year when I probably produce my best work.
My journey to find myself and working through my depression leads to an evolved state of mind.
The Motherland, Its vibrancy of colour, culture, energy and heritage . Class and status has no real purpose as we are all kings and queens in our own right. We are naked when we are born and embrace each other, this is our true selves. Not hiding behind material wealth but proud in our skin. while exploring my sexuality in its entirety, and projecting love and desires through each piece. This is my journey though female form.
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Check out this great video @Africax5
Full Video on Youtube