Visual artist, Oniudele Gold, popularly known as a record broker among his fellow artists in speed painting, is from Delta State, Isoko South to be precise. He graduated from the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, with a specialization in Painting. He grew up with his artist-uncle who mentored him in art before decided to take it as a profession. The artist became popular in 2018 at the New African Shine when the French President, Emmanuel Macron, visited the Shrine, and delivered a one-minute fast-painting. Also in April 2019, Oniudele did the same magic painting when former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, and a former Lagos State governor commissioned a multimillion naira 400-seater theatre at Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. In a conversation with Akanbi Quadri (Godsent), Oniudele narrates how he has been into painting for over 12 years. He says he finds joy in painting. Excerpts:
Why do you choose to be a visual artist?
I’m an artist because it’s my passion and my purpose. Creating art gives me a sense of joy and fulfillment that nothing else does. It is a way for me to express myself, to explore ideas, to capture moments in time, and to tell stories. I love the creative process of art-making; from coming up with concepts and ideas to sketching them out, experimenting with different mediums and techniques, and finally bringing the piece to life. Every artwork is unique in its own way – there’s something special about each one that I’m proud of. That’s why I do what I do – creating art brings me happiness and I want to share it with the world.
How would you describe your creative process?
My creative process typically begins with an idea. It could be something I saw on the internet, a photograph I took, a dream I had, or an idea that randomly popped into my head. Once I have the initial idea, I will start sketching it out and creating rough drafts, until I am satisfied with the composition. Once I have a sketch that I like, I will move on to the painting stage. This is where my artwork really starts to come alive. I love experimenting with different color palettes, textures, and techniques to bring the piece to life and give it an extra layer of depth and emotion. From there, it’s just a matter of adding any finishing touches before declaring the artwork finished! Whether it is adding highlights or shading, making sure all elements are balanced, and in harmony, or adding a few more details here and there – these small tweaks can make all the difference in creating a successful work of art.
How has art helped you express what you can’t put in words?
Art has helped me process difficult experiences and develop a deeper understanding of myself. Through creating art, I’ve been able to explore my innermost thoughts and feelings in a safe and creative environment. This has enabled me to gain insight into my motivations and behaviors, which has been incredibly liberating. Art has also allowed me to express joy, gratitude, and hope in ways that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. It has given me the opportunity to celebrate the beauty of life in all its forms and share it with others. It has become an integral part of how I connect with the world around me.
What makes your work distinct from other artists in the world of Art?
I focus on creating art that is unique to my own style and vision. I don’t worry about what other artists are doing, as it can be counterproductive and lead to comparison or competition. Instead, I strive to cultivate my own creative process 13. 14. 15. and trust in my own vision. I find inspiration from many sources, such as nature, books, music, and conversations with friends. This helps me stay open-minded and curious about the world around me. When I’m working on a project, I also take the time to research different techniques or ideas that might help bring my artwork to life in a unique way. At the end of the day, I need to remember that no two people are exactly alike – and that’s true for art too! By staying true to myself and trusting in my creative process, I’m confident that my work will remain distinct from other artists in my field.
How has the social media promote your work and connect you with your audience?
Using social media to promote my artwork has been a great way to get my work seen by potential partners and fans. It has also been a great way for me to connect with fellow artists and build relationships within the creative community, reaching out to other artists and influencers who share similar interests as I, or who are already successful in the industry. It has helped me build relationships with key figures in the art world, and this has led to more opportunities for exposure and collaboration over time.
What inspires your artwork?
I stay motivated by setting realistic goals for myself. This helps me to keep track of my progress and stay on track. I also like to research and explore my immediate environment. Most of the time, the discoveries I make help me push myself out of my comfort zone and grow as an artist. Finally, I make it a point to take time to admire the work of other artists. Seeing what others are creating can be inspiring and helps me think outside the box when it comes to my own work.
How do you see the role of art in society, and how do you hope to contribute to it through your work?
Art plays an integral role in society. It can be used to express and explore ideas, create beauty, and provide a form of entertainment. Art can also be used to raise awareness about important issues in society, such as social justice and the environment. I hope to contribute to art’s role in society by creating meaningful works that have something valuable to say. I strive to make pieces that are thought-provoking, inspiring, and uplifting. I want my work to help people think deeply about the world around them and how they can make a positive impact on it. My goal is for my art to not only bring people joy but also spark conversations about important topics and encourage individuals to take action for change. I believe that art has the power to inspire people and create meaningful connections
How do you use technology or digital tools in your artistic process?
Technology and digital tools play an important role in my artistic process. I often use photographs, taken either with my phone, a professional camera, to help ensure some sense of realism in my works. Also, sometimes, when I’m working on a painting, I’ll search for images online that capture the mood or feeling I’m trying to convey. This helps me get ideas for composition, color palette, and other elements of the piece. Additionally, I use social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to share my work with others and get feedback from fellow artists
Have you ever collaborated with other artists?
As the old saying goes, “No man is an island”. I believe that connecting with other members of the art community is an important part of being a successful artist. One way I connect with other artists is by attending art events, such as gallery openings and shows. This allows me to meet people in person and network with them. Additionally, online platforms like Instagram and Twitter are great places to find and follow other artists, I think it’s very important to connect with other artists in order to stay up-to-date on trends, learn from others’ experiences, gain inspiration from their work, collaborate on projects, and build relationships that may lead to opportunities. so yes I have collaborated with other artists
Do you have a favorite subject or theme that you often explore in your artwork?
I usually start by looking at what’s inspiring me at the moment. This could be something I saw when taking a walk, or just surfing the internet, it could be an old sketch, It could also be something more abstract, like a feeling or emotion that I want to express. My environment is the primary source of inspiration for my artwork. We live in a world full of natural beauty, and this is often reflected in my work. I’m drawn to themes centered around my African cultural heritage, most of which are inspired by my own life experiences.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Aspiring artists who are just starting out have a lot to learn and it can be overwhelming. My advice is for them to stay patient and consistent in their practice. As the old saying goes “Rome wasn’t built in a day” The same goes for developing an artistic career. Aspiring artists should start small and focus on mastering the basics. They should take classes or tutorials if they need help building up their skills. It’s also important to create a portfolio of their work that they can show off to potential clients or employers. This will give them a better idea of what kind of artist they are. And they should never forget to network! They should reach out to other artists in the industry and attend events where they can make connections with people who may be able to help boost their careers. Finally, they shouldn’t be afraid of failure. Every artist has experienced failure at some point or another, but it’s how they respond that matters most.
