Interview : Solomon Adufah
As promised, here is my interview with artist Solomon Adufah. In our interview, we talked about his passion for art and architecture, his creative growth, thoughts on creativity, his 'Homeland' series, plus more. Enjoy!
When was your starting point as an artist?
I am a self taught artist. I begun roughly at the age of six back in Ghana. I remember every time I would see commercials of sea world on TV, I would try to sketch the Dolphin and always reminding myself that I would love to visit sea world one day. I was doodling images I would see in my surroundings and also images I would see on TV because I always wanted to keep a diary just in case. I did not have TV around because I grew up in Odumasi, which is a small village in the rural areas in Ghana.
What was it about art that sparked your interest?
Art was the only way I could archive vivid memories of things I saw on TV. Since I had a very humble beginning back in Odumasi, I rarely had access to things that would inspire me besides drawing my favorite carton characters or places I would love to visit. I had my sketch book all the time and would reflect on my drawings as a motivational source
So when did you decide to take your art further or should I say a professional level?
That I do remember. It was right after I graduated from high school. I knew I had the talent but didn't really work to skillfully develop my artistry until I graduated.
I made a decision to make the most of my God given talent. And although I didn't have any formal education in art, I was always trying out my own amateur skills and developing different techniques as well as studying other artists.
How did you find your own artistic lane and direction?
When I first started painting, I was very much into colors, especially African colors. Secondly, I wanted my painting to be an extension of my background, experiences in life as well as the things I see in society. From then, I narrowed things down and focused on the type of medium I felt comfortable working with. I've done mix media work, worked with charcoal, pastel, oil and acrylic in the past. I found that I enjoy working with acrylics best because I am able to control the medium much better.
I hope my portraits reveal that every person of every race and culture is interconnected, indispensable and radiant with astonishing beauty.
How do you pick your subjects?
The series I'm working on now is titled "Homeland." The concept behind Homeland is inspired by trying to portray a positive image of Africa. There are lots of negative stereotype about the African culture. Africa is portrayed as poverty, war and disease infested continent. Working with vibrant colors and using tribal indigenous native Africans is my way of expressing beauty in Africa. My portraits convey a fusion of my feelings for each subject with an intuitive use of color. I intensify them in celebration of that person's existence. I hope my portraits reveal that every person of every race and culture is interconnected, indispensable and radiant with astonishing beauty.
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| 'Homeland' series |
That is amazing. It is great that you are portraying and expressing your art form in a positive light.
Thank you very much. I just begun this series a month and a half ago and so far I've been able to complete 18 paintings.
Incredible! Tell me more about your exhibition experience. What has been the response and feedback?
Initially, my plans were to finish the series before entering them into exhibitions but because of the positive feedback and support I've been getting all over, I considered exhibiting them. I've had several exhibition experiences but not to this magnitude. I enjoy the network with the audience and explaining my inspiration, concept and ideas. All the feedback I've gotten from my exhibitions are positive with emphasis on how unique my paintings are and my use of vibrant colors.
What is the most important factor to you when working on a project?
I have always held the view that my painting evoked passion. I am driven to express a view, an idea, or a message of some sort. The expression of emotions in each character is the most important factor. I also see energy in the movement of colors. When I finish a piece, it feels as if a part of myself has been captured on canvas and can be forever memorialized. The process of painting is much fulfilling than the end result because there is such connection between working with colors and how it almost seem like through painting impulsively the colors also have such harmony within the character.
Talking about color. Besides the beauty and creativity surrounding color, what do you think is the essence of color?
I believe that the use of color is a representation of the human emotion. I find it very fascinating how colors can tell you everything about human emotion.
Through that I am able to express that emotion artistically.
What is your perfect working mode like?
I usually work at night times because I'm in school during the day and I also have a campus job after school. I have a small studio setup in my apartment. I do prefer to work listening to music although sometimes I work in silence.
Talking about school, if am correct, you are studying architecture right?
Yes, I'm studying architecture in school.
So eventually will architecture overtake your art?
It is inevitable that architecture is very demanding of time and dedication. I will continue to do art with architecture. My future plan is to one day own an architecture firm with an art gallery in it. Im very passionate about those two fields.
Amazing..that will be one hell of a firm!
Yes! I am determined to work hard towards that plan.
Where do you plan for it to be?
Currently not sure, but I do know I would love to have a branch of my firm in Ghana as well as a gallery to exhibit my art.
In your opinion what is the unique connection between Art and Architecture?
Art and Architecture is quite different. I always make a joke of this but it is almost like the left brain and right brain. They both coexist when I'm coming up with ideas and concept for designs conceptually.
Besides Art and Architecture what else are you passionate about?
I love to travel and exploring different places in the world. I am also a licensed soccer coach and I play as well. I enjoy running; currently training to run the Chicago marathon. I love volunteering and helping others.
Where is your favorite spot in Chicago?
There are so many places I enjoy in Chicago but one of my favorites will be Navy Pier. I love the environment, going on short cruises, boat rides, Ferris wheel etc. Chicago night life is amazing. I enjoy hanging with friends and meeting new people.
How will you define creativity or what is your opinion on creativity?
I believe that creativity is a unique identity of an individual's ability to express themselves. This expression can be viewed through past and present experiences.
What do you like most about what you do?
Painting is a huge part of my life and I only want to share my passion with the rest of the world. Ultimately, the world inspires me everyday and I want to give back my gratitude through art.
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