John Williams is a graduate of Fine and Applied Arts. The Kogi State-born visual artist is an art educator at Goshen International Academy, Gwarimpa, Abuja. The mixed media artist who is versatile in the use of pencil, pen, sawdust and other things, shows his love for nature in his works. In this interview, he explains why some visual artists resort to painting than imparting their knowledge and the inherent danger in it.
Tell us about your journey into art?
I did not set out to study art. My plan was to study law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, but back then the only way you can get information is through the post office as the phone was restricted to the rich. When I was offered admission, the letter was sent through the post office and I could not check on time. By the time I went to the post office, I was one week late and could not meet up with the registration so I was denied that opportunity. I then resorted to the Federal College of Education Okene. I was to be offered business study but there was no space despite having all the required qualifications, so I was left with a choice to study Fine and Applied Art or spend the year at home. Instead of staying at home, I chose Fine and Applied Arts.
When I started, my first year was not easy and it was as if I should pull out but one thing that came to my mind was that if humans can understand Fine Art and teach it, then people must also learn and understand it. I did not give in and in my second year, I became better and improved greatly to the admiration of fellow students and lecturers in the department. My works were unique, including my project which was widely commended.
Did you experience similar circumstances in your choice of becoming an art educator?
It was a deliberate decision to teach art. Immediately I left school, I got a job as a class teacher and did that for two years. I have been teaching Cultural and Creative Art for the past 15 years.
Why do you think only a few artists are interested in becoming art educators?
Teaching art gives me joy. Imparting knowledge to the young ones is something I do passionately. Many artists prefer being self-employed to being art educators because they feel it is a waste of time being in the classroom instead of making money. We learned from people and somebody has to learn from us.
Why do you enjoy what you do most?
Whenever I am doing any artwork, I see myself doing something new because I feel that I can always do better and I love doing things uniquely.
Why do you think art should be taught especially to students not talented or interested in pursuing a career in art?
I have discovered that in all the subject taught in secondary school, there is no subject you will not find an element of art on. So, students are involved in the art; teaching them only makes them understand it better.
How have you been able to merge other things you do with teaching art?
It was not really easy but I have managed. I am not just an art educator; I also do crafts and paintings. I do all these after school hours.
What can you tell us about the life of an art educator in Nigeria?
The life of an art educator in Nigeria is not funny. We love to impart knowledge but most schools find it difficult to provide materials for the work and it really makes it hard. But because of our interest in the students, we keep working with what we have. If some schools have the opportunity to scrap art, they will. Art educators are not well paid and that shows why some artists prefer to be on their own. Art teachers are not valued like teachers taking mathematics, English language, physics, chemistry and other subjects. Some schools cannot afford to buy art materials for practical work while most parents do not want their children to be artists. If you ask some students to bring some materials from home for practical work in school, the responses of some parents are discouraging but note that if it involves mathematics or other subjects, parents respond better.
How can schools do better?
Schools should always organize art competitions and if the government can take responsibility, it will encourage the parents and the schools. If the government shows more interest, students and schools will follow.
And to artists?
Being an art educator should not stop artists from practising. If they really choose to be in the class during the day, they can return to their art studios after school hours to do their commissioned or other works, just as I do.
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