#26 Aremu Opeyemi: On his passion for art, following his passion and looking to find success and impact through art
"God and my passion for art keep me going. I just have a passion for art. Also, I want to succeed as an artist. I want my art to have a positive impact on humanity." - Opeyemi
Hi, welcome to today’s edition of StudentsWhoCreate Interview. Our Student Creative for today is an Art and Industrial Design student at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH). He is a visual artist who loves to make expressionist and figurative art. He also enjoys making calligraphy.
What led him to art? How did he get started? What are the challenges he faces as a student creative? How does he navigate these challenges? How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact him? How does he stay creative? What keeps him going? Read and enjoy!!!
Hi, Thank you for speaking with us. Can we meet you?
My name is Aremu David Opeyemi. I am a student at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), studying Art and Industrial Design.
I am a visual artist and calligrapher. I make expressionist and figurative art.
I love music and often play the talking drum.
Interesting!!! What led you to art? And how did you get started?
I started doing art at a very young age. As a young boy, I loved making art and crafts. I would make toy cars from milk tins with my friend. There was a woman who would buy our stuff; she did this to encourage us. We would spend the money on sweets and biscuits. I remember getting injured on my hand while making crafts one day. I have this memory because I still have the mark on my left hand.
As I grew older, I gravitated to drawing. I would draw and illustrate with pencils in my books. But there was a boy in my class who could draw very well; he was good. I asked him one day to teach me how to draw but he responded and told me, “If you want to know how to draw, go and learn”. That statement made me start practising more. I would spend a lot of my time drawing.
One day, my brother saw my drawings and was impressed. He encouraged me and spoke to my mum about letting me apprentice in an art shop. So I was enrolled as an apprentice at an art shop in my area. I would go there after school every day. It was there I learnt the basics of drawing and painting. I gained a lot of knowledge about art while apprenticing at the art shop.
When I was about to finish secondary school, a corp member was posted to my school. He studied art and industrial design, so he taught us fine art and prepared us for WAEC. He was the one who introduced me and gave me the courage to pursue art and industrial design in school. So I applied and got admitted to study art and industrial design.
What has the journey been like since you started? How would you describe the journey in one word?
Enhancing.
How have you been able to combine school with doing art?
It has been challenging. But my passion for art is what keeps me going.
After spending the day in school, I would spend the evening drawing and painting because I want to keep improving. I also spend most of the money I make on buying art materials for school and personal projects. It hasn’t been easy but I don't want to stop because I want to get better.
What are some of the challenges you face as a student creative?
Having the time and space to practice after school. It is usually a struggle when I want to practice at night because I have to put on the light when my roommates want to sleep. It is usually challenging as I have to find somewhere else to work.
Another one is having so many assignments to submit and work on.
How have you been able to navigate these challenges?
I just have to beg them - my roommates - to let me put on the light to practice.
As for assignments, I spend the day doing them so that I can spend the night on personal projects.
Are you a part of any creative community in your school?
No.
What is your creative process like? How do you go from the brief to the final result?
I start with an idea. Once I get an idea or inspiration on what I want to create, I will do some research to develop the idea. I will find references that depict the idea online.
After gathering inspiration and references, I will proceed to sketch in my sketch pad. This is followed by placing my prepared canvas on an easel to sketch again. After sketching on the canvas, I start painting and adding details.
What tools do you use?
I use acrylic paint and canvas. I started using coffee in my art recently.
How would you describe the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on you and your work as an artist?
The lockdown was a challenging time because everything was on hold. It was a tough period.
As for its impact on my work, the lockdown gave me more time to practice and improve as an artist.
Have you ever felt like quitting?
No, I have not. I have always been passionate about art even before I started making money from it.
What are the favourite projects you have worked on since you started making art?
DAWNING is one of my favourite projects because it was the first one I had the courage to share when I started to explore a new style of art.
I also love SELF ESTEEM (1/2) and BEAUTY LIES IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER (1/2).
What keeps you going? How do you stay creative?
God and my passion for art keep me going. I just have a passion for art.
Also, I want to succeed as an artist. I want my art to have a positive impact on humanity.
Read Also: Rukhayat: The Engineering Student with a knack for Illustration and Character Design
What do you do for fun? How do you relax when you're not actively creating?
I watch football. Sometimes, I play the talking drum to relax.
I also love going to the pool.
Who are the people that inspire you?
Olojo K.K (SNA chairman), Lamino, Samson Bakare, Oyekale Segun and many more.
Who are the creatives you would love to work or collaborate with on a project?
Samson Bakare, Oyekale Segun, Lamino, and Mr Olojo K.K (SNA chairman).
I would also love to collaborate with Eyitayo Alagbe. He's one of my favourite young artists.
What brands would you love to work with?
Nike and Versace. I would love to go into fashion.
What advice do you have for someone just starting their creative journey?
Don't allow bad energy to influence and affect you.
Also, stop procrastinating and start now. There's a saying, “The best time to plant was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” Deal with procrastination and start now.
I will also add that you should seek advice from people who are ahead of you. Don't just work hard, work smart.
Who would you like us to interview next?
Ademola Sunday
How can people reach you?
You can connect with me and see my work on Instagram.
Thank you for sharing with us!!!
Opeyemi will be exhibiting his art at EMERGING EXPRESSIONS - THE UNDERGRADUATE ART FAIR curated by Creath from 23rd - 24th February 2024 at the Mad House Gallery, Lagos.
Visit www.emergingexpressions.art for more info.
Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share the story.
See you next time!!!
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