We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dola Posh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dola below.

Alright, Dola thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In the winter of 2018, I relocated to England for love and to further my life and career; it was terrifying as I had to start my career from scratch. I remember reaching out for opportunities, and I wasn’t given a chance; time passed, and I got to work with a big media company. After I started work, I found out I was pregnant and got terribly ill in the first trimester.

Also, at that time, Covid-19 happened, and I was back to square one. I had a camera in my hand but didn’t have anyone to photograph. Isolated at home with a child growing inside me, I took a risk and started taking self-portraits- documenting my pregnancy and motherhood journey.

Since then, my life and career have changed. I have met great people in the art world who have supported me and my work, and I have made meaningful stories and sustainable living from my career.

I took a risk to be me and be vulnerable to share my story. My trajectory changed, and the dream continues to expand – I have now made a life for myself and enjoy the process of my work creating art in different forms and sharing my journey as a black mother living in England.

Relocating to England has pushed me to adapt to new environments, embrace new cultures, and build meaningful relationships with others.

Dola , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Dola Posh. I am a Nigerian-born visual artist-photographer and storyteller. My work focuses on portraiture and personal visual narratives through self-portraiture, telling stories of everyday life. Currently, I am working on the series ‘Omo Mi’, meaning ‘my Child’, which explores the delicate and life-changing experience of being a new mother.
I started practising photography while studying marine biology at the University of Lagos. Before then, when I was a child, I would arrange the family photo albums over and over again and will talk to my parents about each moment.
My mom and dad would take me on road trips around Nigeria to see nature like Ekiti Ikogosi warm spring, Osun river, Abeokuta Olumo rocks etc. I remember they gifted me my first pink camera on a summer holiday, and I took pictures of everything I saw.

As a black Yoruba-Nigerian woman, I am greatly inspired by impressionism, nature and my culture and tradition. I find my inspiration in seasons and nature. I love to wake up each morning and look outside the window to see what has changed. It reminds me of how our extraordinary life changes. The Warm or grey skies, the changes in light, the plants and flowers blooming. Summer is my favourite season- as it reminds me of Home.

I also find inspiration in my daily life as a mom, everyday moments, and the joy of watching our precious daughter grow.

I also love classic art and other women painters and photographers who tell stories and use vibrant colours and light to convey the mood and atmosphere of mothers’ beautiful lives.

Over the past two years of documenting my life as a mother, I am now expanding my work to other Black mothers. I am Interested in the tender bonds in the relationship between black women and our children.

My Photographs were also featured in The Guardian, Facebook for Creators, World Press Photo, CNN, Photo Vogue and NatGeo etc., which have featured my works- shedding light on my personal stories; since then, mothers in my online community have reached out about how my stories have helped them heal.
Recently the image ‘Care’ from the series was commissioned by Artichoke Trust and The Gallery.Org for billboards around the UK.
I am also working on an NHS creative workshop on (postpartum depression and suicide). I won the Leica UK portfolio review and grant winner in 2022 and exhibited my works at the Beauty and Power Black History Exhibition in London in 2021 and 2022. I am also a Freelance photographer for Bloomberg London 2019 and Bexleyheath council, also a Member of black women photographers and Women Photograph.

I aim to continue telling truthful stories through photography and share the essence of humanity and the natural world of women and mothers.
My mission is to use my creative works to spread awareness about the importance of preserving the culture of black women and mothers and encourage people, especially children, to embrace their individuality.
I will remain true to myself and my passion for art and photography. And as I continue to create, I know that art will always be my most significant source of inspiration and fulfilment.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

As a mother and artist – I hope for a world where supporting mothers who are artists is a priority. It is essential and beneficial not only for mothers but also for society. Examples of some ways society can support mothers:
Affordable childcare: Mothers who are artists need affordable and high-quality childcare to focus and spend time and energy on their creative work without worrying about their children’s well-being.
Grants and funding: Offering grants, funding, and other financial support can help mothers who are artists to pursue their creative work and develop their creative practice.
Flexible work arrangements: Providing flexible work arrangements such as part-time work, job-sharing, or remote work can enable mothers who are artists to balance their creative work and parenting responsibilities.

Networking and mentorship: Providing opportunities for networking and mentorship can help mothers who are artists to connect with other artists and professionals in their field, learn new skills, and gain exposure.
Recognition and visibility: Society can recognise the unique challenges that mothers who are artists face and celebrate their contributions to the creative ecosystem. This can include exhibiting their work, featuring their stories, and recognising their achievements.
Advocacy and policy changes: Society can advocate for policies that support mothers, such as paid parental leave, extended paternal leave, affordable healthcare, and protections against discrimination.
Art heals the world, and by providing support in these areas, society can help mothers who are artists to thrive and contribute their creativity to the world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The act of creating is a blessing. I love the process of self-expression and using my art to communicate my thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Connecting with others from around the world and also telling their stories is gratifying.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dolaposh.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dolaposh/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DolaPosh/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolaposh/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DolaPosh

Image Credits
Billboard image by Yves Salmon.