I can instinctively say that it’s a part of me. Before I studied art, I studied Marketing at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, in 1986, but it wasn’t my dream. It was my Father’s. I was not satisfied. As I matured I figured out what I wanted and went for it. Now I am fulfilled. As a kid I used to do graffiti, scribbling on my workbooks and get distracted in class, drawing on my books. So I figure I was meant to be an artist. You could be earning a lot of money and be unfulfilled but for me, life is not about monetary acquisition but about being true to yourself. Art is somewhat trans-visceral for me, especially when I am working in the studio. I get carried away and forget my immediate surroundings and needs.
Training
I studied Fine Arts at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between 1992 and 1999 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons). I specialised in Painting because I have a flair for colours. Colours are fluid and you can spread and control them. I consider painting the queen of art.
Medium
I am of the opinion that there is no one best medium, in the same way that all parts of the human body are of equal importance. It’s a medley of all the parts that form the human body. I handle all the mediums, but sometimes it depends on my mood. I have worked with wood, nails, chalk and charcoal and many other mediums, but I catch myself using more of oil on canvas. However, I play with all the mediums because I like the diversity involved.
Influences
I have been influenced by some of the best. Some of my favourites include: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Thomas Kincaid, Salvador Dali, Jerry Buhari and Abiodun Olaku, among others.
Inspiration
Any number of things from Jazz music to the sea. I am influenced by a lot of things because I am versatile by nature. Yoga is just one of my many hobbies. Its meditative nature aids my creativity. Sometimes too when I am at an ebb, I get highly concentrating and that becomes some sort of carthasis for me. Pain and pleasure bring inspiration.
Best work so far
The best is yet to come. I have had good ones though. However I keep expecting more from myself, so I will not give tags as to which of my works is best or not.
Least satisfying work
I have them but I will not name titles. When I compare my experience as a visual artist now to that I had 15 years ago, I realise there is a lot of difference and so some of my present works seem to me improved versions of the ones of the previous years.
Career high point
Years ago I had an exhibition in absentia in Canada, in which 40 slides of my work were displayed. I got immense thrill out of that.
Favourite artist living or dead
Leonardo Da Vinci. I admire him greatly because he was very dynamic. He did everything from painting to inventing. His work will continue to inspire generations to come.
Ambitions
Making impact that will continue to resound centuries after I am gone, like Da Vinci.
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