We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lola Okunola. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lola below.
Lola, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
The moment I felt a profound connection to my creations and witnessed the emotions they stirred in others, I knew with certainty: I was destined to be an artist. Seeing how my art inspired and resonated with people filled me with a sense of fulfillment unlike anything I’d experienced before. It was as if I had finally found my calling and stepped into my purpose, fueled by the transformative power of creativity.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Lola Okunola, and I’ve journeyed into the realm of mixed media artistry. Despite a lifelong fascination with art, my true creative talents lay dormant until I crossed the threshold of 40. It felt like a divine intervention.
In 2019, amidst grappling with a health setback demanding surgery, my path took an unexpected turn. While the physical and mental toll of recovery loomed large, an urge to paint surged within me. With newfound determination, I stocked up on various mediums and dove headfirst into creation, painting until dawn.
The reaction from loved ones was profound—they were astounded by my creations, leading to the immediate sale of my first piece for $500. By December 2019, a designer sought collaboration, marking the beginning of a series of milestones. From winning third place in a city competition to exhibiting in the UK Black History Month showcase, my artistry gained momentum.
By January 2021, I delved into painting designer handbags, attracting a flurry of attention and purchases. Exhibitions, including a debut at a West Elm store in Atlanta, paved the way for grander showcases, including a prime-time TV feature in 2022.
My journey took me to esteemed galleries, television appearances, and even a seat on the Arts and Culture Commission, appointed by the mayor of Brookhaven, Georgia. With over 100 pieces sold in four years, each stroke of my brush becomes a testament to the healing power of art, a journey where I’ve rediscovered myself and eagerly anticipate collaborating and exhibiting worldwide.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
By nature, uplifting others is my calling. The thrill of crafting pieces that stir emotions propels me forward in my artistic journey. I’ve proven to myself that reinvention knows no age limit; it’s a timeless pursuit. Through my experiences, I aim to ignite the spark within hidden artists, urging them to embrace their talents and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Legacy holds immense significance for me. What greater legacy than to leave behind art that transcends generations? My aspiration knows no bounds—I envision my creations adorning the walls of hotels in Dubai, gracing the halls of European airports, and finding sanctuary in the galleries of Parisian museums, enriching homes across the globe.
My art isn’t just about brushstrokes on canvas—it’s a narrative of resilience, inspiration, and self-belief. I aspire for my journey and creations to serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to embrace their creativity and manifest their destinies.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Ironically, my biggest fan turned out to be my 13 year old son at that time. He is now 16, who remains my staunchest supporter to this day. With about ten pieces and a slew of sketches under my belt, my son, ever the savvy social media strategist, insisted I launch an Instagram page. The response was overwhelming—people swooned over my creations, urging me to churn out more.
Enter the era of COVID, where time seemed to stretch endlessly before me, a blank canvas awaiting my touch. Days melded into a blur of paintbrushes and sketches as I immersed myself in the creative process. Soon, inquiries flooded in, with eager patrons clamoring to acquire my work.
From there, I ventured into the digital realm, building a website, setting up shop on Etsy, and diving headfirst into TikTok and Facebook. The result? An ever-expanding online presence, with followers flocking to my pages like bees to honey.
But beyond the likes and comments lies a deeper connection—I’ve forged genuine friendships and meaningful connections through my social media channels. My followers aren’t just spectators; they’re cheerleaders, rallying behind me, sharing my work far and wide within their own networks. It’s a testament to the power of community and the magic of art to bring people together, one brushstroke at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.contempoafricano.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contempoafricano?igsh=NTh0Nm1kbWpxeDg5&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Contempo Africano
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lola-okunola-mba?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @ohmylowla