Why does an artist select one medium over another? How does he stay motivated enough to create beautiful artworks year after year? Why would an artist get involved in politics, economy, and health issues, among other issues, and why would he continue to work for many hours rather being busy doing other things? Omolara Akintoye got answers to these and other questions while gaining insights into the creative process during a visit to the studio of Francis Denedo, a notable painter and sculptor
WHAT piece of artwork would you like to be remembered for?
Well I’ve done a lot of work and I don’t have any work in particular which I want to remembered for, rather I will prefer if I’m remembered for all of them. I get contracts form contractors, examples of such art work can be seen as you enter into Governor’s Office at Alausa Ikeja. I did it with my friends. There is another one at Adeniji Adele, my name is on it. There are so many pieces I can point to as my landmark. I’ve also done over a hundred works in private collections. As a sculptor, I like seeing the end of things from the beginning, before I do any work. I see the society from artistic point of view and I like seeking solution to problems through my artwork. I believe that solutions come when you search for answers to them; my artwork portrays things that educate the society and at the same time criticising government and providing solution as well.
What is your definition of beauty?
I believe everything is beautiful; even inside the dustbin, there is beauty in it. For instance, those scavengers visit dumpsites to pick things that are valuable to them. They see what we don’t see and as artists we also pick items form dustbin to make beautiful artwork; beauty is in the eye of its beholder.
What is your greatest indulgence in life?
Every artist enjoys solitude, I like being alone. It’s that time that I meditate, think and work on my sketchpads. I also get inspired at that time.
What favourite painting or book inspires you?
Every artwork I see inspires me. For books, I was inspired to know more about Nigeria right form my childhood, so my library books are about Nigerian civil war, coup, and economy. These are artworks that really inspire me.
What inspired you to go into art?
I thought I could express myself better as an artist. My parents were artists, and my dad was a graphic artist while my mum is into interior decoration and a fashion designer. I also got inspired by nature. Initially, I wanted to study law, but after failing my first JAMB, I was very young and I didn’t want to stay at home, so my dad encouraged me to go and study Fine Arts.
What do you wish every child were taught?
I wish every child were taught history right from the beginning. The reason is if you don’t know where you are coming from, you will not know what to do, and for instance when such people talk about the history of Nigeria, there seems to be a distortion. If children are taught history even through art, they will know the truth and know how to handle the facts. One thing about history is that it has a way of repeating itself.
Which is your favourite art gallery?
I don’t really sell works in galleries, but I have business deal with few of them. One of such is True View Gallery owned by Juwon Olusanya; she is one of the best and trusted artists I’ve worked with. What I’m after as far as this work is concerned is satisfaction. I always like to give my best. The financial aspect is secondary. Another is Signatures Gallery; the owner knows how to help artist discover himself more. Rather than selling cheap, the owner will make you realise how valuable your works are and why it must be sold at higher price even outside the country.
Who would you like to collaborate with?
Most artists like to work alone, because just like our finger prints, everybody has his own identity. If you collaborate with people, there are times that if agreements are not well spelt out, it leads to unnecessary friction. But it is good to collaborate with people who are of like minds. I also work with my group; we call ourselves Golan Heights Renaissance. We are a group of artists who graduated at a particular point in time from Auchi Polytechnic, because our school is mountainous, we chose Renaissance in the sense that we are trying to bring back the values of arts because these days you discover that people don’t attach culture, beauty and aesthetics to what they do any longer. As Africans, there is need for us to go back to our roots so that younger generations can learn more about our culture
Tell us your most inspiring travelling experience
My first ever travelling experience which I can say got me inspired was when I went for my NYSC many years back in Ondo State. I schooled in old Bendel State then, so I had never left the chores of Benin City. Prior to that time, I used to have a wrong concept about Yorubas that they are wicked, quarrelsome and they have funny ways of expression. But when I got to Ondo State, I saw different set of people who were hospitable, peaceful and very kindhearted, likewise when I wanted to relocate to Lagos State.
What advice would you give to young ones who would like to follow your footsteps?
I’ve trained a lot of artists; from polytechnics to universities. I’m proud to say that I have trained a PHD graduate. One thing I can say is that youths need to humble themselves and be ready to assist those who need assistance, and that they should not forget their root, that is how society runs.
What are you doing currently?
I’m always busy in my studio. I have some jobs that I’m working on currently, to be delivered in the U.S. I have a group exhibition coming up soon which I’m also working on.
Aside creating artworks, what else takes your time?
I like reading, playing with my children and I also like to write.
How can government assist the industry?
Art is like discovering science itself. Most of our artworks that you see everywhere with our names written on them is a way of helping the society to know the values of art which is quite good. But the saddest thing is that government is now destroying them. What are they trying to portray to people? That those artworks are no longer valuable, rather than destroying these artworks, government should provide for us place like an art arcade whereby people can go and enjoy art pieces and understand history of their past. Government should try and integrate history into art, it will make the society to grow. Also, it should try to relate with artistes one on one and not via intermediary.
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