Every artist has his/her own way of making art

Ayela-uwangue Nosawema is an abstract artist with a love for exploring feminine themes using acrylic paint. In this interview with Daily Trust on Sunday, Nosawema shares his journey and process as an abstract artist.

Why did you choose art as a profession?

I have always been fascinated by the creative works of art from a tender age and I decided from then to embark on the journey of being an artist. Choosing art as a profession allows me to explore and make a personal statement through my works. Also, art as enabled me to live authentically and pursue true passion. Ultimately, the art world is often rich in community and connections. Artists have the opportunity to connect with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and diverse audiences, as well as the sense of belonging and ability to foster connections with others who appreciate and understand.

What themes or subjects inspire your artwork?

The different situations I see and how women are influenced by culture, society, and each person’s unique qualities. These things together create lots of different behaviours that are intriguing. Some things I notice a lot are how people talk, how they interact with others, if they’re caring and understanding, how good they are at doing many things at once, if they like to agree with others, and what they dream of achieving. I learn a lot from watching these things and they inspire me.

What drew you to working with acrylic paint, and how does it contribute to your artistic expression?

One of the major advantages of acrylic paint is its fast-drying time. Unlike oil paints that can take days or even weeks to dry completely, acrylic paint dries relatively quickly. This allows me to work at a faster pace and build up layers of paint more efficiently. In terms of versatility, I can use it on a wide variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, metal, and more. It adheres well to most surfaces and can be easily manipulated to achieve various textures and finishes. It can also be mixed with other mediums, such as gels or modelling pastes, to add depth and dimension to my artwork. There’s longevity and durability. Once dry, acrylic paint forms a durable and flexible layer on the surface, making it resistant to cracking or yellowing over time. It is also more resistant to fading compared to other paint mediums, ensuring that your artwork will retain its colours for years to come.

Lastly, acrylic is a non-toxic and odourless pigment generally considered eco-friendly and do not emit strong odours, making it a safer option for me, especially because I work in small spaces.

Can you walk us through your creative process when starting a new painting?

Every artist has their own way of making art. I like to try different things and adapt them to what I like. When I start a new painting, it can be really exciting but also a bit overwhelming. I go through a process to help me. First, I look for things that inspire me, like nature or stuff that’s happened to me. Then I think about the mood or story I want my painting to have. After that, I do some research and find pictures or visit places to get more ideas. Once I have a rough idea, I start sketching it out on paper or canvas. This helps me figure out where everything should go. Then, I start with a base layer of paint to set the tone of my painting. As I work, I’m always trying new things and changing my plan if I need to. I’m not afraid to make mistakes because sometimes they lead to cool surprises. I try to balance making my painting look realistic with showing my own feelings and style. When I think it’s done, I check to see if there’s anything else I want to add or change. Then I sign it and get it ready to show to other people.

Are there specific techniques or unconventional methods you enjoy incorporating into your acrylic paintings?

I love incorporating scribbles (lines) into my paintings, it gives them a kind of flow and rhythm.

How do you challenge yourself to experiment and evolve as an artist?

There are several ways I can challenge myself to experiment and evolve. Basically, pushing myself to try new techniques, styles, or subject matters that you haven’t explored before. This can spark my creativity and help discover new aspects of my artistic capabilities. Also, setting goals and challenges that will define specific goals or challenges for myself, such as completing a series of artworks within a certain timeframe, experimenting with a different medium, or mastering a particular skill. These challenges can provide focus and motivation in my personal growth. I seek inspiration outside my field or beyond my usual sources. I explore different art forms, visit galleries and museums, read books, watch films, or engage with nature and other cultural experiences. Exposing myself to diverse influences can bring fresh perspectives to my work. Another is to embrace constructive criticism. Actively seek constructive feedback from mentors, fellow artists, or art communities. Constructive criticism can help me identify areas for improvement and provide new insights into my work. Lastly, attending workshops and courses: Participating in workshops, courses and documentations of my artistic journey.

Do you have a preferred setting or environment that enhances your creativity when working?

I love when I’m alone in my work space with music on.

How does your surrounding influence the mood and atmosphere of your paintings?

Where I paint really matters. My studio and the world around me have a big impact on how my paintings feel. For example, if I’m surrounded by nature like trees, water, or even city traffic, it can make me feel peaceful, calm, or amazed. Nature makes me feel things, and those feelings inspire my art. Like, if I’m surrounded by colourful autumn leaves, I might use warm colours in my paintings to capture that cosy feeling of fall. Also, being from Benin, my cultural background plays a big part in my art too. Different cultures, traditions, and history all make me feel different things, and those feelings show up in my art. Maybe I’ll paint a beautiful woman with traditional body ornaments, reflecting the mix of cultures around me. And my own feelings matter too. If I’m happy and relaxed in a quiet place, my art might feel peaceful too. But if I’m feeling stressed or excited, that can come out in my paintings too. So, everything around me shapes how my art feels. Whether its nature, city life, culture, or my own emotions, they all mix together to make my paintings special and unique.

What emotions or messages do you hope viewers experience when engaging with your acrylic paintings?

I would love my paintings to speak to my viewers and give them a reflective feeling of past and present experience.

Can you give us a glimpse into any upcoming themes you plan to explore in your future paintings?

I would love to work on the theme “SHE” which will explore the general lifestyle of a woman.

Are there new techniques or ideas you’re excited to incorporate into your artistic practice?

Yes, with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I am hoping to create paintings that are digitalized.

Every artist has his/her own way of making art — Nosawema