TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

My name is Abiola, you can call me Peniel. I grew up surrounded by art and that has pretty much led me up to this point.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT?

I wouldn’t say I discovered my craft, it chose me. I’ve been on this course for over a decade now so, it came about as a result of constant work.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORKS?

Necessity inspires my work. I do not wait to be inspired, I just work. Inspiration finds me when I’m working.

HOW DOES YOUR ART MAKE YOU FEEL?

My Art makes me feel like I’m super human. It gives me the freedom to bend reality as I deem fit.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES AS A CREATIVE?

I simply don’t dwell on the shortcomings. I work around it as often as I can. If it’s something within my means, I change it. If it’s not, I focus on the things I can control.

WHAT’S YOUR MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A CREATIVE?

My most memorable experience is yet to happen. Lol

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SOCIETY AFFECTS YOUR INDUSTRY?

I live in Lagos and things can be a lot better obviously but, I would say that the constant hustle spirit in the city drives me to be better. Especially now that I have tons of people that copy my style, I have to keep improving.

DO YOU FEEL THERE’S A GOOD SUPPORT ATMOSPHERE IN THE ART INDUSTRY?

For now, I would say the support atmosphere is not where we would like for it to be but it is definitely growing.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING AN ARTIST?

The most rewarding part of being an artist for me is the freedom (and money lol) that comes with it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ASPIRING ARTISTS?

The only advise that I think is worthwhile for any aspiring artist is; “Work and study everyday. Even when you don’t feel like it.”