BEAUTIFUL WITHOUT JOHNNY

How could a creative, independent and beautiful lady be running after Johnny? That was the question that haunted me on my first time of seeing Yemi Alade's power dance music video -Johnny, sometime last year.

Could it be that most young girls like to fall to the gimmicks and lies of such Mr. Johnny or is it the issue of self love lack? is a question I asked myself then based on the musical video story line.     Again I recalled talking to her back in Lagos on Rhythm 93.7fm guest Artiste call-in live show where she made a statement that resonated so much to me, which is this below;

'No matter who you are and what you do, don't let anyone bring you down, love yourself and your God given traits/abilities till you reach your pinnacle of success.' If enough girls could know this in time, stop making mistakes and focus on self love first, then there wont be the need or trouble of chasing one Johnny about.

Know thyself, be a better beautiful person you are is the keyword and that was my inspiration behind this portrayal piece depicting the talented, self confident, beautiful and bold Yemi Alade, who I bet would never need to chase any Johnny man around now. Congratulations on your Mama Africa album and numerous awards for the Nigerian music Industry.

LIFE KEEPS MOVING.. ARE YOU WALKING?

Sometimes in life, you don’t get closure. You just move on. 

Everything happens for a reason. SEE the bigger picture Always.

'Somewhere in Chicago' - Watercolor on Paper ''12 x 16'' (2016)

LIFE is TRANSITion  series

Life keeps moving, and it is ever revolving just like the earth revolves around its axis. One day you are here or there, the next minute or day you may be moved, relocating or even shut down. But wherever you, who you are or what you do, keep living, enjoy the moments and always prepare for the road that life may take you to next, no matter what and be grateful for life.

These NEW series of my paintings/drawings are about TRANSITION in life and every stages we humans tend to find ourselves, be it in form of location, our growth, emotionally, spiritually or our physical state, success or failure and in relation to how we see Life. Sometimes, it feels like life itself has left us stranded in point, but reality is that we are the ones who stopped walking along our given pathway. Life keeps going,shouldn't we?

Travel whenever you can. It is important, exciting, invaluable, and liberating, to explore the world. But most important too that you follow your heart and travel in the paths where it leads you. And if you can't go any place now, don't sweat over it, but see yourself keep moving somehow till life comes himself and takes you by the hand to wherever it leads you to next. 

MEASURING A MOTHER'S WORTH BY PENCIL

“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” —Robert Browning

My Mother's back (Eyin Iya mi) Pencil on Paper ''20x25''  (2009) 

 Private Collection

A mother's back is where one finds comfort,love and care always.In African culture, a child carried on the back by a mother basically experiences one of the best privileges from motherhood. It is always a thing of pride for a woman to back his/her child and certainly a blessing too. We believe that it more than just a matter convenience, but of pure connection and bounding after internal nine months phase.

My drawing here, from my behance project SERIES - Pencil & Pastel Drawings: Mother & Child Series 1 depicts the undivided comfort, trust and blessings a child enjoys or gets from sleeping, being carried by her mother. I always cherish, admire and feel deep respect for a woman, seeing her with such gestures or demonstrations of love and care.

We may all have been in our mother's back or arms, and my expression by my drawing here is to draw our attention to a mother's worth, being our carriage from pregnancy stage,as that safe place and consistent shelter of care,love and affection. Motherless babies or others may not have had such opportunities, but if you have had that, it is worth remembering, glad and thankful about. It is my appreciation and to ALL mothers out there, you are really wonderful because words,paintings or drawings are not enough.

“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.” —Victor Hugo

MANDELA, ICON OF PEACE

When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace – Nelson Mandela

                               MADIBA : ICON OF PEACE   Pencil on Paper  ‘’20x25’’ (2015)

Nelson Mandela is the global icon of peace, an exemplary leader and a statesman the likes of which we have never seen before. I drew this portrait of him, when I had a reflection of his impact and contribution to the development of South Africa and his crucial role in the ending of Apartheid. 

His legacy, struggles and leadership traits will always remain and be remembered till generations to come, for as long as there is a South African entity. This drawing is dedicated to him and to all who strive for peace in Africa and the world. It is true, according to him, a man or woman, be it a leader or Celebrity, can only get GOOD rest, only when his or her duty is performed positively and inspiring to a country.

Nelson Mandela, being portrayed here representing him as the Icon of peace, is a drawing of mine, from my portraits series (Portraits of Nigerian Icons & Others) on my behance portfolio project, which I have added to my art finder shop. This is also my entry for the Bombay Sapphire Artisan series 2015 competition and you can vote HERE for me.

 It will be such a great honor, privilege and opportunity for me to create this piece in a city, as tribute respect and dedication to Nelson Mandela, all Africans and all those whose lives has been affected positively by this great man and Icon of Global peace.

" When I see a white piece of paper, I feel I've got to draw. And drawing, for me, is the beginning of everything."   ---Ellsworth Kellyhttp://www.bombayartisan.com/submission/show/13899MANDELA, ICON OF PEACE