It is a known fact that northern Nigeria is blessed with talents that are not often recognized or more saddening celebrated. This trend has affected the growth of so many gifted individuals of northern extraction. However, some have managed to break the barrier and carve a niche for themselves. One of such people is Lawal Sulaiman, the creative director at Saulawa Arts. The Northern Blog had some interesting chat with this creative fellow who has been through the length and breadth of this country and has been the recipient of several awards in the art industry. Here are some excerpts from our discussion:
The Northern
Blog: Can
we meet you?
Lawal: I am Lawal
Suleiman from Saulawa area of Katsina State i was born on the 7th Dec,1966. l started
my early primary and secondary education in Dutsimma Katsina State, then i got
admission into Kastina Polytechnic in 1987. Thereafter i started working with
UBA Bank in 1989 ,while in the bank i pursued my HND in business administration
at Kaduna Polytechnic in 2006 through part time program. As a result of the
pursuit for my art talent i abandon my lucrative bank job to fully practice
art, by resigning voluntarily in 2001. I am married with a wife and some
adorable kids.
The Northern
Blog: What
made you made go into arts?
Lawal: I am a self taught
artist, i was born with it. I started to discover my artistic talent since my
childhood, during my primary school while playing during P.H.E period. We were
given papers and color to draw what we feel like drawing. l never go to any
body or art school to learn how to draw. its a natural instinct.
The Northern
Blog: Did
you do any interesting project in the past?
Lawal: I have done several
interesting art project in Kaduna and Otta such as mural walls paintings.I have
my art works hanged in almost all the reputable hotels and government offices
in Kaduna and some northern states including Abuja.
The Northern
Blog: You
are a Founder of an art studio, can you tell us about it and your aim?
Lawal: I established
Saulawa Arts Studio in 2008 at Safaha Plaza along Kwato Road Unguwan Rimi. It
was registered in 2007 with the aim of practicing art as a profession. Well the
main aim was to be able to practice and be able to train the upcoming youth in
arts and general craft by using creativity as a source of self employment.
The Northern
Blog: What
are your challenges so far?
Lawal:
Well, my challenges as an artist who embraced art as a carrier in northern
Nigeria despite the fact that art is neglected and unappreciated is the low
market level compared to places were arts is well appreciated. Also there is
the under pricing of a standard art work and sometimes its difficult to
recover outstanding sales balance from some clients. Religious aspect on
arts with regards to images in Muslim homes and lack of support to arts in
northern Nigeria. There is also the lack of arts collectors, and sponsors of
artist in northern Nigeria. Others like the lack of unity among artist,
everyone wants his works to succeed.
The Northern
Blog:
What are your expectations for the future?
Lawal: My expectations are all
the things i mentioned before and constrains to be rectified and addressed.
I belief arts in northern Nigeria can compete with any African arts
within and beyond Nigeria.
The Northern
Blog: What
advice do you have for aspiring artiste?
Lawal: Always believe in what
you want to pursue as an artist and don't try to follow the other artists
ideas. Try yours it may work better than theirs, this really works for me. It makes
me creative; i can manipulate any art the way i want. Always practice on whatever
you want to paint or draw, no rules as regards to how you want to draw or
paint, it all depends on how you want people to view your arts. Also maintain
your standard and don't compromise your quality or standard when it comes to
doing your work as an artist.
Here are some of Lawal works:
Post a Comment