Hyper-realistic painter, Oresegun Olumide, whose art works broke the internet few weeks ago, (See here) has shared why he loves to use water to give translucent effects on his paintings.
ENCOMIUM Weekly had an interview with the 35 year old creative artist on Saturday, March 12, 2016, and he talked about many issues, including his forthcoming exhibition, wedding plan and much more.
How do you feel about your painting gaining huge attention on social media?
I really want to thank God for taking me this far. I can’t just thank Him enough. I’m so happy.
What does painting mean to you?
It’s a passion. It’s something that I have within myself, my lifestyle, so I can tell you it’s in me.
What stands your designs out?
When you are doing a particular work, which has not been encouraging, all you need is to keep pushing till you attain your desire. The zeal and passion with hard work are the things that stand me out.
What do you cherish most about your drawing?
Every day I get to learn new things, I don’t stop learning. I love to acquire knowledge. The fact that everyone around me appreciates and encourages me to do more are the things that I cherish most.
How did you feel being a celebrated artists right now?
I feel honoured. I must say that it makes me feel great because this is something that I love and I have been doing over the years and all of a sudden, I got celebrated even up to international standard. It’s amazing. I think that’s happiness.
How did you start out as an artist?
I actually went to Yaba College of Technology to study Art, just like any other field. I know what I want and I have been striving hard to be a recognized artist.
So, can we say you acquired it or it’s a special talent from God?
It has been a talent from God right from my childhood, but I just needed to acquire more skills to develop the talent God has deposited in me. Everyone has his/her own gift from God, but as much as we can develop the skill to exhibit the talent makes one better.
How did you develop it to have attained this level?
Let me just say it has been the Lord’s doing. In as much as I have been passionate about my work, God has really helped me to where I am today and I believe He is still taking me to a higher ground.
What does it take to be good a artist?
Being a good artist has a lot to do with passion. To achieve a unique, attractive and good looking painting, one must be passionate about the job.
How many years have you been in the career and what has been your experience so far?
I have been painting from my childhood, but I have been working tirelessly in the last 8 years which is the major experience I have so far.
What are your peculiar challenges as an artist?
One of the major challenges is financial instability, I believe every artist has faced it but I just don’t have to let that draw me back. I have been going through financial challenges while I was still in school (Yabatech) and it was even tough after I graduated. But I’m happy to tell you now that I have overcome those challenges.
Have you taken your drawing outside the country?
Yes, I have had a couple of exhibitions outside Nigeria, some are outstanding. As I speak to you, in Germany, Brazil, France, etc. So far, I had a successful exhibition in Nigeria at Midrin Art Gallery in 2011 and 2014 and I’m already working towards the third one. When I have the venue, date and every other information, I will let you know.
What inspires your painting about children playing with water, the village setting and natural painting methods?
I have so many things that inspire my painting. When I look back, a lot has happened. For me, the best way to say what I feel within myself is painting. You will agree with me that life is full of ups and downs. Some are happy, while others are not. In my own case, I have learnt to collate all these experiences to do my painting.
What does the water you often use in your drawing denote?
Every human being makes use of water everyday but I feel we don’t get to appreciate water enough. We use water every day and we can’t do without water, this is why my painting tends to look beyond how people see water.
Which is the most expensive drawing you sold?
I can’t really say because I have done a lot of drawings and they were all appreciated worldwide.
What is the average price of your drawing?
All I can say about that is that I don’t have an average price, but my next exhibition will reveal all you need to know about that.
How long does it take to complete a painting?
It takes a month or two, depending on how you want it.
Tell us about yourself, family, marriage…
I’m the second born in the family of four. I have three brothers and I’m happy to tell you that I will be getting married in couple of months. My life is simple as you can imagine.
Tell us about your bride to be?
I think that is personal, let’s leave that for now. When the time comes, you will know.
