An Artists Journey

My journey as an artist started a very long time ago. At school I dabbled in art but never really made the grade. When I was 18 I joined some of my friends at Harding University in Arkansas. Being born in Africa the prospect of studying in America was very appealing. I must admit I was more excited about the adventure than the studying. I wasn't even sure what it was I really wanted to do. I loved art but never thought I was good enough to do much with it. An advisor at Harding suggested I take a semester of Art courses and if I didn't do well I could change my major. It was the best suggestion I have ever had. I loved everything about my art classes and threw myself into every subject. I couldn't get enough and spent many hours outside of the classroom practising. The very smell of the studios excited me. I gained A's and B's in all my art subjects which both surprised me and filled me with an immense sense of pride and accomplishment.

I later returned to Africa and found employment as a window dresser and background artist. I made 3D backdrops, painted wall murals, designed and constructed objects such as African masks, bright coloured parrots using polystyrene and coloured string. I learnt to drape fabric so well that I once had a customer ask to buy the 'outfit in the window.'