Adegoke Olubusi, a ceramic sculptor from Nigeria, recently share him story about how him journey into the world of art has been. In an interview with OLUFEMI ADEDIRAN from Punch Newspapers, Olubusi talk about how him specialize in portrait ceramic sculpture and how him creative process work.
Olubusi say that most of the work him do now is commissioned, meaning clients ask him to create sculptures for them. Him get inspiration naturally and don’t overthink it; when it comes, him just get on with it. Him even make a sculpture of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which Obasanjo himself was amazed by.
Despite the appreciation him get from people, Olubusi express him frustration about the lack of support from the Nigerian government. Him compare the support him got when him was in the UK, where him was given an office to work in and financial assistance, to the challenges him face in Nigeria. Olubusi believe that Nigerian artists are among the best in the world but need more support from the government and private sector.
One of the biggest challenges Olubusi face is getting materials for his work. Him import all the materials, including clay, glaze, paint, and oxides, from abroad because the local clays are not suitable for his high-quality works. Him explain that the local clays are ‘groggy’ and need refining, which is not easily available in Nigeria.
Olubusi also talk about some of the tough projects him have worked on, like the sculpture of Dr. Phil, which him had to make three times before getting it right. Him emphasize the need for more art galleries and museums in Nigeria to promote and exhibit the works of local artists.
