It is certainly not an easy task bringing ideas to life, good art obviously sells itself and generates lots of referrals. Such is the case with one of Nigeria’s contemporary artist Blessing Ejiro Fenegal, a Nigerian from Ughelli South Local Govt Delta state who has wowed Nigerians with what can be described as an artistic explosion as she fluants her recent artworks that are rich in colour, lovely African motives and patterns.
Speaking about her works she said; "I've been passivate about art since I was a kid , though without family or parental support. I have produced works from various materials and in various forms such as drawing and painting. The idea behind my works is to enlighten the society about the metaphorical prison bars that entraps us, ranging from fear, hatred, unforgiveness, mediocrity, indecision, etc. I intend to address this problem through the sculptures I produce.
"I went into art because I find fulfilment and peace whenever I create, not just creating but always comes out unique than that of any one around me so I understand it is a gift I must not toil with".
On how she started Ejiro said "I started by using materials I feel I could manipulate, materials such as chewed gum, warm candle wax, clay etc. To produce human faces, forms and objects but this was in my childhood I grew to love the arts deeply to a level which seemed I was obsessed so my parents tried to stop me".
According to Ejiro, she feels very fulfilled knowing she can transform waste to wealth as God opened her eyes to the beauty she could create with broken frames that are thrown away. "It was a God given Talent, one I was born with and it came with so much passion".
Speaking on the challenges she said; "My challenges are, firstly the struggle of trying to balance my life as an artist and a business person, secondly my type of art being three dimensional, birthing my ideas the way I desire is being limited by space and distractions.
"Over the years of my practical, I have always had this feeling not because i have sold so much works but that I am on the path that will take me to my aspirations. In recent times I have been working on commissions".
Continuing on how the government can support talented people, Ejiro posited thus. "I feel the government should look out for young talented people most especially the females and support them through scholarships and patronage, as this gender is often ignored and misunderstood when it has to do with professions such as art so that the ones coming up will believe and know that they can be successful in which ever carrier path they choose.
The God taught artist who went through thick and thin, however succeeded in studying Sculpture at Yaba College of technology and graduated in 2019, since then she has used her works to promote the moral essence of art.
Wow..this is so fantastic, well done Ejiro and keep it up
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