TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
I grew up wanting to be a cartoonist, then a gynecologist lol but I ended up studying Biochemistry at Bayero University Kano (BUK). Now I am an artist and a muralist.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT?
Back in 2013, I was at home due to the ASUU strike, I had just downloaded the Instagram, and came across a Dubai based mandala artist page. I was intrigued and looking back now, it was love at first sight and I am glad it found me.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORKS?
Mostly I pick up my brush and tools and the inspiration finds me. Being able to create something so intricate and unique always inspires me to go all out to make sure the next piece is an even better masterpiece.
HOW DOES YOUR ART MAKE YOU FEEL?
I get to feel special and unique. It’s time consuming, requires so much details and I mostly get burnt out a lot but I’m great at it.
WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES AS A CREATIVE?
Finding the perfect art supplies that works well with my craft but currently, it’s finding and getting artists that are as detailed as I am to work with in my projects.
MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A CREATIVE
I couldn’t just pick one because there’s been so many lol. Everyday as a creative is memorable.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SOCIETY AFFECTS YOUR INDUSTRY?
When some say people in the society are not appreciative of arts, I tend to agree. We shouldn’t expect EVERYONE to like and purchase our arts though. It’s like water and Champagne, ANYONE can buy water and keep in their house but not EVERYONE can keep champagne in their spaces. Art is not for everyone and that’s perfectly okay, your client will find you.
DO YOU FEEL THERE’S A GOOD SUPPORT ATMOSPHERE IN THE ART INDUSTRY?
I have been lucky to meet colleagues in the art space who are very supportive. You can always reach out when stuck and someone is out there to help.
MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING AN ARTIST
The freedom that comes with it and of course the money.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ASPIRING ARTISTS
Find a niche, stick with/to it and give it all you’ve got.
