TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m a self-taught fine artist from Benue State, specializes in pyrography. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Religious Philosophy and Cultural Studies from Benue State University and currently practice in Lagos.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT

Art has been a God-given talent since childhood, spending most of my time drawing and crafting, improving myself without any formal education or mentorship, driven by the happiness my creations bring to others.

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR STYLE OF USING PYROGRAPHY

I started over 15 years ago after seeing someone use flames to create art, and later adapted the method using a panel beating machine. Inspired by a quest for uniqueness, I chose this style to tell my stories and modernize this traditional African art form.

WHICH OF YOUR PIECE CHALLENGED YOU THE MOST

“Beyond Boundaries” challenged me the most, combining realism & imagination to depict a romantic scene between a mermaid and a human, inspired by African mythology and legends.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES AS A CREATIVE

Financial constraints limit my ability to create large-scale visions, and I struggle with conveying my stories effectively in written form, relying more on verbal storytelling during exhibitions.

HOW DO YOU AVOID INCORPORATE MISTAKES INTO YOUR ART

I embrace mistakes, turning them into something new, allowing me to explore different ideas and techniques in pyrography.

WHAT WAS A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

Winning the overall prize at the Life in My City Art Festival in Enugu and being invited by Jameson Black Barrel to display my art!

HOW DOES YOUR SOCIETY AFFECT YOUR INDUSTRY

Growing up in both rural and urban settings in Benue State has significantly influenced my art, inspiring many of my pieces & stories.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF WHAT YOU DO

The greatest joy is doing what I love, being creative, and getting paid for it, allowing me to be the master of my own creativity without a boss.

ONE THING YOU HOPE TO IMPROVE ON IN YOUR INDUSTRY

Improving my written storytelling skills and collaborate with other creatives to promote African art.