Interview With Artist Chris Ogiebo

Questions begin with a boldfaced letter Q and answers with a boldfaced letter A

Q: Were you always an artist? Was there a moment when in a sudden flash of insight, you realized that you were or did you cultivate your inner artist gradually?
A: Yes, I was born into the family of an artist, as a little boy, I use to work in my father’s studio, I had passion for art as a child, drawing on the walls of my father’s house and drawing on my school books, there was one day in the town of Auchi, a classmate of mine saw me and called my name, Christopher 🡺 Do you still draw on books.

Q: Training and development…how did you get to where you are today as far as style and media go? Was it mostly trial and error? What techniques did you experiment with along the way?
A: I got to where I am today through mentorship, I was mentored in my father’s studio as a wood sculptor, I did general painting during my national diploma, in Auchi Polytechnic. In my Higher National Diploma, I did not  major in painting, instead I majored in sculpture. It was in 2012, when I was newly married, that a lecturer —Mr. Viyare Samuel— mentored me on painting.

Q: Early years….. were you encouraged by those in your immediate environment to  pursue a career as an artist? At what age did your formal training begin?
A: Yes, especially my father and friend Bayo, My formal training begin at the age of ten.

Q: What is it like to be an Artist? Agony? Ecstasy? Something in between the two?
A: I derive joy while working on an art piece.

Q: Do you feel that your current work is where you want to be? Do you have any plans for trying new and / or different subject matter techniques?
A: No, as an experimental artist, I have plans for trying new and different subject matter techniques


Q: With the advent of the internet and the availability of buying art online, how has it affected you and your plans regarding the sale of your artwork?
A: The internet has affected me positively. It enables art lovers, collectors,  potential collectors and gallery owners to see your artwork and connect with the artists. I have been able to make sales online.

Q: What advice would you give young artists starting out today in view of all that technology has made available to us?

A: I would advise them to be themselves and focus on the daily improvement of their gift and talent so that they can stand out in the art world. They should also take advantage of technology by putting their works out there.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR CHRIS OGIEBO
Address :No10 Warrake Road, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
Email : chrisogiebo@yahoo.com
Call for an appointment to see works on my studio
+2347035843956
+ 2349132648753
Instagram : Chrisogiebo / merit interior gallery 2159
Linkedin :   Chrisogiebo
Facebook:  Chrisogiebo / merit interior gallery