Meet Oyewole Oyelade

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Oyewole Oyelade. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Oyewole, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My faith and artistic passion fuel my resilience, providing strength, inspiration, and motivation. There are times I derive strength to persevere from scripture. For example, a particular scripture reminds me, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13). With God and art, I navigate challenges with hope and determination. My everyday motto is “ never give up! No retreat not surrender!”

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Though I was born in Eruwa, Oyo state, Nigeria, a part of the world where art wasn’t seen as a work to reckon with. Almost everyone around me believe I can do something better with my life than art. But, with God and hardwork, they are now becoming convinced that I am on the right path.

I’m an artist passionate about exploring and celebrating African beauty, identity, and culture through my work. What excites me most is the opportunity to challenge traditional beauty standards and showcase the richness and diversity of African heritage. I also explore how our individual experiences interwoven to make us the kind of person we currently are.

My artistic journey is driven by a desire to tell stories that need to be told, to preserve our cultural legacy, and to inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of African people. I find joy in experimenting with unique techniques, such as depicting subjects as made of woven materials, to create visually striking and thought-provoking pieces.

Currently, I’m focused on expanding my artistic portfolio, participating in exhibitions, and collaborating with other artists and brands that share my vision. I’m also exploring new ways to engage with my audience and share my art with a broader community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three most impactful qualities which I always share with my colleagues and junior ones are:

1. Creativity and artistic exploration
2. Continuous Learning.
3. Perseverance and adaptability.

1. Creativity and artistic exploration
Embracing innovation and trying new techniques helped me develop my unique artistic style.

2. Continuous learning
I constantly seek to learn, unlearn and relearn. Deep research enabled me to create authentic and meaningful art.

3. Perseverance and Adaptability Navigating challenges, learning from failures, and adapting to new situations allowed me to grow and refine my craft. My faith also help me to navigate challenges and stay strong through them.

For those early in their journey myself obviously included I’d advise:

1. Explore and Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks in your creative process.

2. Immerse Yourself in Your Passion: Dive deep into your area of interest, learn from others, and stay curious.

3. Stay Committed and Patient: Growth takes time; persistence and dedication will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll set yourself up for a fulfilling and successful journey.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I’ve been fortunate to have had several figures influence me in my journey. Key individuals who’ve helped me overcome challenges and develop essential skills include:

1. Mentor: Mr. Adesope Godwin: My apprenticeship under him provided invaluable guidance, support, and expertise in fine art.

2. Family and Friends : Their encouragement, love, and belief in me have been a constant source of strength and motivation. My mum specifically always encourage and pray for me.

3. Artistic Community: Fellow artists, critics, mentors and enthusiasts have offered constructive feedback, inspiration, and opportunities for growth.

These individuals have played significant roles in shaping my artistic vision and helping me navigate the challenges of my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Wole_oyelade

Image Credits

Oyewole Oyelade