We were lucky to catch up with Simon Ojeaga recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Simon, 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?
First what I will say if my resilience cone from where I want to be in years to come in my career and I know success is in the efforts also I don’t do anything half way, I go all in cause I know my technic takes time and patience so for me it’s like a state of meditation and mental conditioning for every piece of work that I emback on.
My work ethics comes from the fact that I am a pragmatic person thus that’s why I enjoy reading and and listening to the meditation of philosopher Marcus Aurelius over and over again,my ethic is as simple as if you want something, you have to put in the work.
How I developed my confidence and self esteem is that I believe, how you do one thing is how you do everything, so when I create my works I create them for me to like them so when people see my works I believe they speak to people that have the same ideology like me cause if I was producing for the satisfaction of the public then my confidence and self-esteem might be hurt cause I tried to please.
Where does my generosity come from? That’s a simple question, it comes from my understanding and learning about life that you can’t satisfy every body, I know when to say No or Yes
How I deal with imposter syndrome, is that I believe and I constantly go back to my philosophy, furthermore I carved a niche for myself and I am growing with my technic so there’s no need for imposter syndrome, those ahead of me followed a process and success is in the process, I will follow my process.
Being the only one in the room, how have I learnt to be effective/successful even when you are the only one in the room that looks like you, first is okay being alone and great works comes from solitude, I have always known that being alone is what makes me an artist so I trained and disciplined my mind to enjoy my own company while I work, it’s every simple.
Where does my optimism comes from? It’s comes from the understanding that there is a process and as long as I think to plan and I don’t throw darts in the dark, it will get to my destination eventually and also remember that I can be determined without being ruthless.
How do I find purpose, this is what inlove doing, creating art and it give me a sense of accomplish after every piece is complete.
Where does my discipline come from, its comes from my ruling faculty and its part of my being and conviction as human being
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a Nigerian artist working with lines in portraiture and figurative art, I find profound inspiration in the rich cultural tapestry and diverse human experiences that shape our nation and continent. Through my work, I strive to explore the intricate interplay between lines, form, and emotion, seeking to capture the essence of individuals and the stories they embody. Lines transcend their inherent simplicity. They are the building blocks of creation, the visual language that allows me to communicate the complexity and depth of the human spirit. Each stroke, meticulously placed, serves as a thread that weaves together the narrative of a person’s life,
struggle, triumph and aspiration.In the realm of portraiture and figurative art, I believe that lines possess an innate ability to evoke raw emotions and convey the inner essence of a subject. With each delicate curve and bold stroke, I strive to uncover the unique beauty that lies within every individual. I embrace the imperfections, the intricacies of each face, recognizing that it is through these nuances that true character is revealed. My artistic process involves a meticulous study of the subject, delving into their history, culture and personal experiences. I aim to capture not just their physical likeness but also the intangible qualities that define them. Lines become my tools for distilling the essence of their being onto the canvas, emphasizing the contours and features that speak volumes
about their identity.Through my work, I seek to challenge preconceived notions of beauty and authenticity. I celebrate the diversity and richness of Nigerian and African identities, offering a counter-narrative to narrow standards of representation. Lines, in their simplicity and versatility, allow me to break free from conventional constraints and enable me to create vibrant and dynamic portraits and figures that resonate with the viewer on a profound level. In a world that often tries
to reduce individuals to stereotypes and labels, my art serves as a medium for connection and understanding. It is an invitation to embrace the multifaceted nature of humanity, to appreciate
the beauty found in our differences, and to recognize the shared experiences that bind us all.Through my exploration of lines in portraiture and figurative art, I aspire to create an intimate dialogue between the viewer and the subject. I want my artwork to serve as a visual testament to the richness, resilience, and diversity of Nigerian and African cultures, challenging and inspiring others to celebrate their own unique identities and stories.In the delicate dance between lines and the human form, I find endless possibilities for expression. It is my hope that my art, like the lines that breathe life into it, will traverse boundaries, fostering empathy, and celebrating the remarkable journey of being human.
I the future I want to explore other forms of art that can be explored with technic in employ in my works also look into more advanced tools.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1: Focus and also look at a bigger picture about your career
2: Having the set of people that build
you up mentally
3: Don’t be too comfortable
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Alchemist,Novel by Paulo Coelho It’s has thought me about pursuing my person Legend and sticking to my dreams
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Simonrichardojeaga
Image Credits
Photo credit : Simon Ojeaga
