An artist with a message to share
TA: Hello, Tomiwa. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview with me. Your work is creative, beautiful, pure, and meaningful in the lives of so many people. I am looking forward to you sharing your words of wisdom that can bring encouragement, inspiration, and empowerment to other artists as well as art collectors. Perhaps the best place to start is at the beginning. So, can you please share with us how you arrived at the place where you are today?
Tomiwa: Well, I have always loved art from the cradle. I was born in the urban city of Lagos where I received my greatest influence from God and older artists. As a child, I enjoyed scribbling cartoon drawings on the walls and newspapers. Although my uncle wanted me to grow up and become a lawyer, I chose to follow my calling as a member of a hereditary caste among the people in western Africa where I use my art to keep an oral history of our tribe and village. Art granted me the opportunity to illustrate beauty by telling the stories of contemporary Africa using vibrant colors in a distinct way.
TA: I love the connection you make between art, historical and contemporary values for your country. When people view and articulate your work, they are participating in sharing an oral history of your tribe and village, which is brilliant. The authenticity behind this approach is just priceless. There are a few young artists who might not have a strong support group behind their creative work. If you could speak words of support to this group of upcoming artists who are looking to carve out a personal niche in this creative space, what wisdom would you share with them?
Tomiwa: To be focused, dedicated, and persistent in your dreams. Being an artist isn’t an easy profession and sometimes when you come across an artist block life, it can be miserable, especially when sales are not forthcoming as expected.
TA: Absolutely. I believe that a creator’s block as well as inconsistency in sales are two of the most challenging areas for artists. Thank you for your honesty. So, do you have a strategy for moving past these challenges? What wisdom do you share with artists who do not know how to keep going?
Tomiwa: For every artist a creator’s block is inevitable. But for me whenever I have a creator’s block, I usually go back to my old paintings, and study them consistently. During this study fresh new ideas will flow. And sometimes if I’m going through the creator’s block, I just use that opportunity to travel out of my country or visit the beach for relaxation. Yes, inconsistency is also inevitable in the art industry. But if an artist can create a platform for himself, sales won’t be a problem. And remember, the longer the art stays the more expensive it is. So, my wisdom for an artist who doesn’t know how to keep going is to embrace patience and be consistent in art making because the more we work the closer opportunity is to us.
TA: Love it. Your strategy of bringing your attention back to completed artwork brings the mind back into a focus. Excellent. I also like your point about sometimes stepping away from the art just to relax. As artists know, art can be quite intense at times. So, stepping away to do something fun is great advice. Thank you.
As people can see in the YouTube video above, your work is beautiful. Please share your contact information for those who would like to order prints and find and follow you on social media.
Tomiwa: I have a website and, I am also available on these social media channels.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tomiwa
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomiwaarts
TA: Tomiwa, I want to thank you for your time and for sharing your words of wisdom with us as well as your art. I wish for you continue and even greater success as you travel this creator’s journey. Through your art, you have made this world a more beautiful place to live.
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