Today we’d like to introduce you to Francis Jeremiah Oshogwe
Hi Francis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As an artist, my journey began with a deep passion for drawing and painting from a young age. I seized every opportunity to create, finding solace in art. This passion led me to study at the School of Art and Industrial Design at Auchi Polytechnic, where I graduated in December 2019.
In 2020, I became a full-time studio artist. However, during this time, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown posed significant challenges, limiting my access to materials and making it difficult to practice. Surprisingly, this period of isolation turned into a revelation for me. I spent nine months working on just one painting, yearning to create every day but restricted by the resources available.
This challenge prompted me to develop a unique painting style that required fewer materials, ultimately allowing me to thrive creatively. I am still growing and enjoying the artistic process to this day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. Some of the struggles I’ve faced include:
1. Difficulty in accessing the materials I needed to create the type of paintings I wanted to pursue.
2. Financial challenges. In the early stages of my career, it was quite difficult to secure enough funding to advance my art career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist who specializes in painting, and I am particularly known for infusing elements of nature into my work. I often incorporate floral designs into the skin of my figures, creating a unique and captivating aesthetic.
I take great pride in my decision to become a full-time studio artist, as it reflects my commitment to my craft. What truly sets me apart from others is my distinctive painting style, which blends natural motifs with figurative elements, providing a fresh perspective in the art world.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
New York has always been my favorite place to visit, and I actually like New York because the city is home to diverse and famous museums and galleries, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. NYC also serves as a major center for the international art market, with hundreds of commercial galleries in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and annual art fairs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francisjeremiah00/
