‘Be open to criticism, it could make one better’

Lotanna Anazodo is a rising Nigerian sculptor. The native of Anambra State, who has been sculpting for seven years, has among his works a sculpture of Archbishop Benson Idahosa and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State. In this interview, the sculptor shares how he expresses his imaginative ideas through art and how artists should take criticisms.

How did you delve into art?

Art to me is intuitive. As a child, I used to sketch some drawings of my friends, which look exactly like them. I used to construct houses with cartons and also build cars as well as flashlights with batteries. I was very good at creative drawing during my primary school education. So, I am sure I did not delve into art but art found me. I am into decorative arts (enamel works) but I am a sculptor. With sculpture, the texture of my work can be felt and seen around.

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What inspires your art?

Many things inspire me but my quest for perfection inspires me more. When I sculpt, I always want to get a full resemblance of the people. I always want to get their forms accurately, giving a proper finishing as much as possible.

What challenges have you experienced as a sculptor?

One of the challenges I faced is properly preparing my clay for modelling. The preparation of clay has its own procedures and it’s really not easy. Then, welding an amateur – the bedrock or skeletal frame of every work for my workpiece, is another challenge. Also, getting enough funds to purchase materials for my works posed a challenge at the early stage.

What has it been like striking out on your own?

It has not been easy striking out as a Nigerian sculptor. I faced financial challenges and lacked  support. I could hardly buy enough tools and materials to get my work properly finished and delivered on time.

Share your experience from any exhibition you have participated in.

Although I haven’t been to any international exhibition but I had an exhibition as an undergraduate at the University of Benin and the experience was worthwhile.

Doing the exhibition, I got to relate with scholars including PhD holders and professors. I was opportune to be supervised by Prof Franklin Egwali, also had the opportunity to unite with Prof Victor Uwaifo, Prof John Ogene, and other lecturers from the University of Benin. I also learnt how to handle massive projects of human, animal figures, etc. Based on this knowledge, I can handle any project.

What did it take to get your first order?

The only thing it took to get my first order was relationship, consistency, and recommendation.

What does the future hold for sculptors in Nigeria?

It is a bright future. I see a future where every home, office, school, event and public centres, museums, amusement parks, business plazas, clubs, will own an art piece. Creating art clubs that would provide room for artists to showcase their talents as well as have direct access to buyers or exhibitions that would take place annually or monthly.

Is sculpture a career choice or just a hobby for you

Sculpture is both a career choice and a hobby for me. It is something I love doing and what I had wanted to do. So, I am not just driven by the business aspect of it. It is something I do with joy.  And I also got the opportunity to study it at the university. So, it is basically an edge for me.

How do you take criticism?

I will say I handle criticism quite well because for you to be a professional, you need to be open to criticism. Some of these critics are able to understand the elements and principles of art, they sometimes are able to indicate an error. So, I try as much as possible to work on their observations for a better result at the end, which is also a plus to my knowledge. I am a better sculptor today because I take corrections and my 3D eyes have been unlocked to notify errors and correct them on time.

What is sculpture art to you?

Sculpture is life. It is a way of expressing my emotions, peace and joy. The sculpture is a way of giving birth to my imaginative ideas and it reminds me that I am God’s masterpiece and I reflect the qualities of God the Father.