We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toluwalase Awolaja. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toluwalase below.
Alright, Toluwalase thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
The best thing that happened to me in my decision to study art and pursue a career as an artist was my parents immense support in nurturing my talent. At the time in 2012/2013 most of my contemporaries didn’t really have the support of parents or family in their decision to pursue an art career, some even funded themselves through art school. I couldn’t really blame parents who couldn’t see the vision because my country’s creative economy at the time wasn’t encouraging and anyone who claims to be an artist or decided to study art wasn’t taken as a serious person.
In my case i had the full support of my family even when my initial drawings were pretty much bad, they would cheer an encourage me all the way. This has helped me to confidently pursue the arts and it’s been an amazing journey.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Toluwalase Awolaja and I’m popularly known as Tolu Raymond. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1997 where i currently live and work. I’m a graduate of YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNILOGY where I studied art. I began creating art at an early age and decided to study art at yaba college of technology through the guidance of my family. I believe in divine providence and I’ll say God was the one who ordained my path into being an artist. I’m currently a full time studio artist and I have a mural business which i use to support my practice.
I like to think of myself as a Contemporary Eclecticist, an approach that combines elements from various styles, techniques,
narratives, and materials to create unique and diverse artwork. I’m fascinated by how the blend of realism,
abstraction, expressionism, or illustrations can convey a message, be aesthetically pleasing, and also
possess a sense of freedom. Artists like Zoey Frank and Njideka Akunyili Crosby inspire me with their
innovative use of mediums, storytelling techniques, and seamless blending of cultural narratives, which have
shaped my evolving style.
My work explores the human essence, particularly the reciprocal relationships between our interactions,
emotions, youth, spirituality, and cultural embeddedness. I believe these aspects fundamentally define what it
means to be human. By embracing the diversity of mediums and techniques, I aim to provide a multifaceted
experience that mirrors the richness of the human experience. Through my work, I hope to foster a deeper
understanding of the connections that define us and the beauty that lies within the tapestry of our lives
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My artistic goals are rooted in a desire to continually push the boundaries of my creative practice both in form and in meaning. I’m passionate about using visual storytelling to create work that resonates deeply, especially when it speaks to themes I care about, such as faith and the human experience. My aim is to create art that not only reflects personal conviction but also invites others into meaningful reflection.
I’m also interested in exploring the materiality of my work like how the choice, treatment, and history of materials can enhance narrative and emotional impact.
Asides my personal creative aspirations, it’s my desire that through my work, people can appreciate life, find healing, feel the vibrancy of youth, experience what it means to love and know God.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Every art piece is like a challenge and a new world to explore. Being able to complete an art piece comes with a sense of satisfaction and for me it makes me marvel at the creator of the universe who created something so beautiful. I dont think i can ever compare to that, but just being able to create something makes me appreciate life and God more. Being able to sell my art is an advantage but the fulfillment actually comes from being able to create something that has meaningful impact across borders.
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