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Tag Archives: Art
Artist Spotlight: @KomiOlaf – ‘Art is Life’
Ontario, Canada based multi-talented artist of Nigerian heritage, Komi Olafimihan’s unique conceptual work is beyond the ordinary. His work speaks of very detailed stories as he incorporates his architectural knowledge, artistic flair and mental depth to create masterpieces that are an expression of his ingenious mind, the astute creative that he is.
He says “Art is Life”…
About Komi Olaf – Artist – Poet – Architect
Komi Olaf is a visual artist and poet currently living in Toronto. As a master’s graduate of Carleton University’s School of Architecture, his training as an architect directly influences his draftsmanship and manipulation of light and space. His work is based primarily in acrylic and explores the dialogue created through the juxtaposition of images concepts and identities.
His works have been featured in shows at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and the National Arts Center in Ottawa. He has also received several awards pertaining to his works including the Empowerment and Success Award presented by the then Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean in 2010 and the Student Award for excellence presented by the Canadian Architect Magazine in 2009.
Komi is a strong believer in the synonyms that exists between images, philosophies and concepts.
Artist Statement
My work is an extension of who I am. A direct representation of my character and experiences. While I was completing a Masters in Architecture, I developed a passion for both painting and poetry and I have been on a mission to fuse these three elements ever since.
Drawing from the various skills and techniques I have been acquiring over the years, I strive to create unique, inspirational and original work that captures the history of African people and the mind-set of the younger generation. As a Canadian immigrant and a Nigerian in Diaspora, I tend to focus my art on the juxtaposition of unrelated images to produce new meaning. My personal experiences such as the religious conflicts plaguing Nigeria have also had an impact on the work I create.
Ultimately, I would love my work to offer insight into the thoughts of the new generation of artists emerging out of the Diaspora. I want to tell a different story with my work, one that captures the complexities of my African and Canadian heritage as well as sparks the conversations that can inspire change and build a bridge of unity.
Some of his works that caught my eye
From the Afro Collection
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And I remember this one of ‘Kermit the Frog’ going viral on instagram, turned into several memes by internet users, such a great discovery to know who the original artist is.
Komi Olaf. Spoken Word – Love
For more info and to stay updated on Komi Olaf’s projects –
Welcome the PROdygies! An Online Community of Creative PROs by @abinibi
Are you a gfx/web/UI designer, make-up artist, photographer, costume/interior designer, (copy)writer based in Nigeria? Then PROdygies wants to know you.
If you work in any of these fields: Make Up, Photography, Graphics Design, Digital Art, Web Design & Development, Interior Design, Architecture, 3d, Cinematography, Motion Graphics/Visual Effects, Crafts, Copy Writing, Fashion Design, illustration, Print Production, or related fields, then this is for you.
Would you like to showcase your work/portfolio daily on a platform that features top creative professionals in Nigeria? A platform that allows you to interact and collaborate with other PROs all over the country, where you can easily get professional feedback and appreciation. A platform that allows thousands of potential clients connect with you for paid services. Better still, search for job listings and freelance work related to what you do. Imagine being able to have your profile, experience and showcase of all your creative work/ portfolio on your personalized page URL (www.prodygies.com/yourname) and be able to connect all your social accounts to the page for easy sharing to popular social websites. Here’s the solution, – the movement starts now… www.prodygies.com is now live!
Sometimes, all your dream needs is a few people who believe in it, that is where Prodygies comes in, as an online social community for creative PROfessionals in Nigeria. Prodygies also gives PROtips for the creative business professionals.
James Abinibi is the Founder of Prodygies
James ‘abinibi’ Alabi developed himself in Graphics and Web Design during his early University days while studying fine and applied arts. He started professional Graphics in 2001 and has since been transforming lives with his talents. With over 10 years experience in the advertising world, abinibi, as he prefers to be called, has become a major force to reckon with in the Design/Creative field across Africa as the CEO of abinibi multimedia. His passion to put Nigeria on the global design map is unending. The numerous design he makes are very inspiring and they make Nigerians all over the world proud. His passion has always been to inspire and encourage upcoming designers. When he’s not working, you can catch him lecturing at his abinibi creative academy where young individuals come to learn and enhance their skills creatively. This he believes will help empower and encourage a much more creative generation in Nigeria. He started abinibi Multimedia in late 2008 and has since received over 6 international awards and still counting. Some of them include America Design Awards, newwebpick top designers of the world, adobe kit web design awards, etc . abinibi is also a regular feature in publications across the globe. More on abinibi at http://abinibi.net/
James Abinibi talks about the idea behind Prodygies –
March last year I had an idea for a portfolio showcase platform for Nigerians creative professionals on a daily basis… the idea came after #theNetworkNigeria conference – a platform for creative pros to network with other industry colleagues.Part of the itinerary for #theNetworkNigeria was a portfolio showcase segment which couldn’t happen due to logistics issues. Then it occurred to me we didn’t have a major platform like behance, deviantart, freelancers, etc in Nigeria… yet. So the Prodygies idea was birthed March last year: a social platform for Nigerian creative pros to showcase works, connect, get hired, etc Bringing the idea to life was quite a challenge and not enough words to describe them here (except a few of my close friends who witnessed some), but in summary it took 15 MONTHS! 15 Months after and not as best as I planned, but life has taught me NEVER to wait for a perfect condition before starting out. So last month, I put in some major efforts which would enable Prodygies go live this month and here we are today… At the moment, new features are being added and in the coming weeks we would have upgraded all the features as expected. After which the mobile app for ios and Andriod would be out. Our official launch event is happening on July 11, 2014. http://www.Prodygies.com/ is live. A social community for Creative Professionals In Nigeria!
Stay connected with Prodygies on http://www.facebook.com/prodygies
and follow at http://www.twitter.com/prodygies.
Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing
Tosinger
Sharpen Your Creative Skills : Photography
I thought I should share this great info with fellow creatives or anyone reading this who knows someone who will benefit from this , so do not hesitate to share.
CreativeLive is a site that offers free art and design classes. CreativeLive was founded in 2010 by Chase Jarvis and Craig Swanson, who partnered to create an online space where they could connect the world’s top creatives LIVE with a global audience of aspiring creative professionals.
CreativeLive empowers you to unleash your potential by bringing the world’s greatest experts directly to you, live. Featuring workshops in photography, video, design, business, audio, music, and software training; CreativeLive unlocks previously closed doors by making dynamic education accessible to everyone.
Anyone can watch live online workshops — for free — and interact with instructors in real time. The future of education is interactive, free, and live now.
The photography class will be broadcast live and for free on June 5 9:00am – 12:00pm Los Angeles Time zone. You have to RSVP here . If you miss the free class or want to watch at your own time, you’d have to pay.. check the site for more info
About the Photography class
Learn how to take the kind of photograph you’ll want to print and pass on to the next generation. In this three-hour course, you’ll learn the principles of good photography and get the skills necessary to create it.
Advanced cameras are available at modest price points, but learning how to use them takes an investment. In Photography Starter Kit you will learn the the most essential functions of your camera and get ready to confidently put them to work. You’ll get the swing of basic photographic terminology and totally feel prepared to move on to more advanced classes.
You will also gain a solid understanding of must-know lighting and composition techniques. John Greengo will guide you through the process of positioning yourself and your subject so you capture the best photo possible with the camera you have – no additional gear needed.
If you want to take more memorable and inspiring photographs of your travels, your friends and family, or the great outdoors this class is for you. You’ll learn how to make average pictures amazing photographs and gain the ground necessary to continue your photography education.
Instructor
John Greengo is an award-winning photographer specializing in outdoor and travel photography. Shooting for over 3 decades, John has developed an unrivaled understanding of the industry, tools, techniques and art of photography. When he’s not traveling for a new shoot, John teaches photography to students from all over the world. John’s unique blend of illustrations, animations and photographs make learning photography easy and fun.
Another class on Photography:
“Story on a plate” on Food Photography & Styling with Todd Porter and Diane Cu. This is for the foodie creatives out there 🙂
Being naturally gifted is one thing. Honing the talent is another. Knowledge is power. Enjoy and thank me later..:)
Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing..
xoxo
Tosinger
From Russia With Love?
The beauty of the African people, the culture, the aesthetically appealing artistry and artifacts has always been a source of exotic wonder and inspiration for further creativity for other parts of the world, even if with an incorporation – a merge of other elements (from other cultures) . Russia is on the spotlight today, I know there is crisis going on right now and hope issues get sorted soon. However, I came across a carefully crafted piece of African inspired artwork done with the ‘Headwrap or Gele‘ as the focal point. Very beautiful and creative shoot, with the use of well placed patterns, colors, form, texture done for the Russian Architectural Digest (not fashion or visual arts), interior design ad campaign for their textile department. The visual art kind of reminded me of Kehinde Wiley and Yinka Shonibare ‘s work , naturalistic and renaissance in appearance while incorporating African elements.
Ironically, Russia was nos 2 on the list of worst countries for blacks to visit according to a January 2014 Atlanta BlackStar article. (Read for details). I am not sure of the authenticity of this claim since I have not visited Russia to share any first hand experiences. According to the piece:
Black visitors will also have to be extra careful when they venture outside of Moscow into the rest of Russia. In a chilling warning, the Russia expert of New Republic, Julie Ioffe, said, “There’s quite a bit of violence against people considered to be Black” in Russia, raising new fears about the safety of Olympic athletes, visitors and media attending the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Ioffe warned that nowhere in Russia is safe for a person of color to visit, outside of Moscow’s city center. – @ATLBlackStar
After all is said and done, there is no doubt that the continent and her people are a source of attraction for aesthetic and cultural inspiration . Here’s the AD Magazine Russia photos below- Taking Headwraps and Fabrics to a Whole New Level for their ad campaign for designer fabrics/textile division. Enjoy!
PHOTO CREDITS
Photographer Olga Volkova Tuponogova-
Stylist: Natalia Obukhov
Model: Keshia Asiedu
Producer: Maria Kuznetsova
Makeup artist: Polina Karpov / MaestroArtExtraordinary
Assistant Photographer: Konstantin Egon
Assistant Stylist: Katerina Konyushenko
Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing..
xoxo
Tosinger
Progenitors and Proteges: Art Series 1
New Week, New Day, New Beginnings… to everyone
Times are changing and generations are evolving. So is creativity and innovation. While we pay the much deserved respect to talented legends and forefathers (or mothers) who have paved the way, batons are being passed as they continue to inspire, and this should be acknowledged. As it is, what’s with living, without leaving a legacy. This comic says it all.
pro·gen·i·tor(prō-jĕn′ĭ-tər) an originator or founder of a future development; precursor . a person or thing that originates something or serves as a model; precursor.
pro·té·géˈprōtəˌZHā,ˌprōtəˈZHā/noun : a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person.
In light of this, I got inspired to start a blog series featuring visuals and audio (if applicable/available) of some admirable progenitors and proteges in the arts/music industry in Africa and the diaspora, who are so graciously cheering on the younger talented generation in their similar craft.
Here’s presenting Mrs. Nike Davies Okundaye, Owner and Curator of the Nike Art Centre in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria intervied on NdaniTV Platinum Standard. She represents the African woman artist, “many of whose realities are now international, though in essence they are perpetuating the living tradition of African Arts and Culture” Nike Davies-Okundaye aka “‘Nike Davies'” aka “‘Nike Twin Seven Seven'” aka “‘Nike Olaniyi'” is a Nigerian batik and textile designer, considered to be the foremost designer on the western coast of Africa
– Source Wiki
and here is a recent interview with Peju Alatise who Nike Davies-Okundaye mentioned in her interview. Peju Alatise born 1975, is a mixed-medium artist and a writer with educational background in architecture. She has practiced as a studio artist for thirteen years.. more on her website http://www.pejualatise.com. See her artist statement below:
Peju Alatise’s Artist’s Statement
I am an alien/sojourner. Sent to this part of the world to work my work. Orun m’eni t’omala agreed with me, master artist to prodigy, that an experience on this planet called earth would be what I needed to find a part of myself.
From where we stood, earth was a magical gem and most wondrously primitive. And that was until…like every good story told must have a perfect antagonist…man. I chose my cloak, and it informed where I would be planted. The most exotic cloak yes! Black, woman and Yoruba. It led me to an understanding that all cloaks are exotic, mine just suits my personality.
I bid farewell to Orun m’eni t’omala, till we meet again we embraced and parted. Now, in an earth world with very many worlds within It’s world, I work my work in a strange land called my home Nigeria, experiencing Her lands and Her peoples. My arrival was in the year 1975, the place I would call home was a young child aspiring to govern itself and remain free from colonial masters. It has been 38 earth years since I got here and this hopeful child underdeveloped into an intellectually immature, self-destructive being that puts shame to shame. Famous for Its corruption-gangrene eating into Its every existing fiber at the most diabolical speed, it remains my greatest challenge, to stay or to leave. I choose to stay because I am not done experiencing who I am not!
As I work my work, I learn the earth name for what I do is called Art and I, an artist. I am introduced to another world called the art world. Like the bigger world the art world mimics, it has its economics, politics, leaders, king makers, producers, consumers, technological influences, plenty sense and plenty nonsense. The most humorous part of this world is the smoke and mirrors conjured by magicians. I stop laughing when the magicians gained illusive powers to decide what Art should be and should not be. As I withdraw my involvement, I am labeled an outsider and made synonymous with ‘difficult’. Soon when the smoke clears we will learn that what is will always be. So to the magicians I salute with my middle finger. This is a greeting habit I have picked up here and must leave behind on my return to mother ship.
The greatest pleasure I find here is discovering other artists who have visited this strange blue planet and many who are still here. I am also influenced by stories of Yoruba ancestors. I have been directed by the works and personalities of giants like David Dale, Bruce Onabrakpeya, Nike Monica Davies and great Susanna Wenger who have left a distinct trail within the Nigerian soil. Lately, Anslem Kieffer, Antony Gormley, Ai Wei Wei, Louise Bourgeois, Motohiko Odani and colossal Do Ho Suh have encouraged me to extend and exert myself the more, for there is still so much to do, many more artists to experience. I am not done living to my fullest potential, I have only dug half a foot into the six feet I am permitted. Now I must dig faster, my cloak is getting older, do not ask me why I’m in a hurry, I have work to do.
Lastly and humbly, if you find my artist’s statement not acceptable with regards to the standard of the art world do excuse me, I am but an alien addicted to the taste of freedom, who knows not better, tired of writing pretentious artist’s statements.
Some of her works
photography by yinka akingbade
still on Art21Lagos
Beautifully Dreaming.. Positively Doing..
xoxo
Tosinger
WORD OF THE DAY – Have you heard this before?
Happy end of the week to you all.
I love words, poetry, art, beauty, fashion, music, culture, language, unique creativity so when my sister sent this word ‘‘KINTSUKUROI’ my way, I knew I had to research it some more and oh what beautiful discoveries I found.
Kintsugi or Kintsukuroi is the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with a lacquer resin sprinkled with powdered gold – Wiki
It literally means “to repair with gold.”; not to make broken things as good as new but even better than new, this reminds me of a spiritual truth: God can still make something ‘goldenly’ beautiful out of our broken ‘human nature’ pieces. The Japanese art of Kintsukuroi or kintsugi, which also means “golden joinery,” is all about turning ugly breaks into beautiful fixes. How precious!
“My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).
Watch this.
All hope is not lost …
Beautifully Dreaming…Positively Doing..
xoxo
Tosinger
Photos & Haikus III
Happy new year Friends..
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Ring out false pride in place and blood …. The civic slander and the spite… Ring in the love of truth and right… Ring in the common love of good.
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A verse from “Ring Out, Wild Bells” , a New Year’s poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
Here’s Photos and Haikus III with photos that signify new beginnings, the rising of a new dawn. Enjoy and be inspired.
These are works of Femi Onatuga, a photographer based in London, UK known for his scenic and wedding photography.
Here bursts the Sun Rise
Calm start to a year of light
Peaceful beginnings
Sweet red Morning Rose
Fragrant and fresh, nature’s scent
Bloom, beautiful year
Hand in hand we go
Uncertain of the future
Love will lead the way
Click the photo below to see more of Femi’s work
His instagram is also delightful at
http://instagram.com/femionatuga
Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing…
xoxo
Tosinger
STAYING INSPIRED
Hello Friends,
Hope everyone is rounding up the year nicely and you enjoyed your seasonal festivities. Today is all about inspiration. Much needed for the coming year you will agree.
in·spi·ra·tion
:Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind; something/someone that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create;a force or influence that inspires someone
Inspiration (from the Latin inspirare, meaning “to breathe into”) refers to an unconscious burst of creativity in a literary, musical, or other artistic endeavor; a good idea
To be inspired is one thing, to remain inspired is another. I hope the following quotes and the info-graphic of 12 tips will help to keep you maintained in that perspective; physically, mentally, and spiritually.
What/Who is your source of inspiration?
How about trying the below to help?
Above All
So keep beautifully dreaming… and positively doing…
xoxo
Tosinger
Photos and Haikus I
Light and Love on your Sundays Beautiful People..
Once in a while, I’ll put together a few captivating shots I come across and use my gift of words & poetry to complement them while drawing attention to the work of these wonderful artists/photographers . I’ve always had this nifty idea and with the blog, I can now put it to expression..I tag the ongoing series “Photos & Haikus”
I started writing haikus as a pre-teen up until my post-grad college days at the University of Nottingham, UK. The creativity involved eased those lonely, melancholic moments of the life of an international student 🙂
hai·kuˈhīˌko͞o,ˌhīˈko͞o/noun
Haikus – I call it a lightweight form of poetry, but its not as lightweight as it seems. It’s actually, mostly full of depth as it takes a lot more creativity/ thought process to put together due to the structural limitations re-syllables, word count while wanting to maintain depth and meaning as much as possible
So my pictorial muse for today’s post is Daniel Emeka’s work (Digital & Graphic Artist). Male Model: Daniel Emeka himself, Female Model- Merit Iwute, Photography by Timmy Davies.Art Direction: Daniel Emeka. And these are 3 picks from his project titled ‘‘THE HUSTLE”
I will let my haiku {for each of the three photos I selected} speak for them.
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High heat in Lagos
Pure water like soul music
A cool refresher
She sees the future
through dreamy eyes of beauty
tomato hue lips
As the sun sets low
He sees as her eyes drops so
to love or to hold
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Hope you enjoyed it. For more of Daniel Emeka’s work. Click here
And I’ll leave you with this joke 😀
Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing..
xoxo
Tosinger
(Disclaimer: this is not an official endorsement but an outlet to foster and appreciate creative expression and talents. Endorsement posts will be categorized as so)
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