TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Nelly Nwokorie. I studied philosophy at UNILAG. Only girl out of 3 boys, love cartoons and eating dodo.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR CRAFT?

I liked watching my brother draw as a child and I’d take his notes and keep practicing till i was satisfied with what I saw. So I’d say when I was 5.

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR, IF SO WHO?

Every Artist inspires me with their unique styles

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORKS?

I’m inspired by the beauty of women, their feminine nature and curves. So I’d call my art womanism.

IN YOUR OWN WORDS DESCRIBE YOUR KINDA CONTENTS?

Errr i do portraits mostly, female portraits. I was actually first interested in fashion illustration that’s where the love sprung from.

PERSONALLY WHICH ASPECT IS DEMANDING; STARTING OR FINISHING A PROJECT?

Starting. It’s hard for me to sit at my desk and start a work, it almost always seems impossible. Like how would I bring this idea to life. But once I start putting the pieces together, it’s smooth sailing from there. I like to visualize the satisfaction the end product would give me and that keeps me going.

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR SOCIETY AFFECTS YOUR INDUSTRY?

I think Nigeria appreciates art alot in theory but the problem is we are not ripe for the practical aspects of it. I see alot of people going for art exhibitions and stuff and trying to stay woke but the truth of the matter is most people feel they have bigger problems than to think of which artwork to buy.

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

Yes. I believe so. I feel the support in the little art community. I’ve even had to do a couple of joint works with some artists who I really admire. The love is crazy !

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

The hype of having talent lol. But seriously, the fact that I’m able to create something out of nothing.

ONE THING YOU HOPE TO IMPROVE ON IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

I would want to be able to use my abilities to appreciate art in Nigeria.