We were lucky to catch up with Glover Marfo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Glover, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I first realized my passion for a creative and artistic career while living in the squatter housing of Asamankese, Ghana. Known for my ability to assist people in constructing their dwellings, mending broken machine parts, and crafting new essential objects for our community, I witnessed the transformative power of creativity and artistry in improving the quality of life. It was these experiences that ignited my desire to pursue a career that harnessed these talents for the betterment of others. Additionally, I recognized that art offered a unique path to explore and excel, allowing me to address social and political issues in our society. My interest in art was further fueled by my sensitivity to the challenges of abuse, stemming from my experiences as the child of a single mother and witnessing the struggles of women in a predominantly patriarchal context. These observations have been instrumental in shaping my creative journey, motivating me to amplify the voices and perspectives of women who have endured the burdens of abuse through my artistic endeavors.
Glover, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Glover Marfo is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist and metal artisan whose work is deeply informed by personal experiences and a commitment to addressing social issues. Born in Asamankese, Ghana in 1990, Marfo currently resides and operates from Cincinnati, Ohio. His educational journey is characterized by a dedication to the arts, culminating in the completion of a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Rural Art and Industry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, as well as a Master of Arts in Studio Arts from Eastern Illinois University. Presently, he shares his expertise as a visiting professor, specializing in metalsmithing and 3D design and printing at Miami University.
Marfo’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in squatter housing in Ghana. It was during these formative years that he was exposed to harsh realities and, notably, witnessed violence against women within his community. This experience sparked a compelling drive to create safe boundaries and empower vulnerable individuals through art.
His primary focus as a metal artist is crafting remarkable jewelry and wearable sculptures that seamlessly blend decorative elegance with elements of formidable defense. His work is enriched by an African visual language, particularly drawing inspiration from the female warrior costumes of the Dahomey Amazon military.
Marfo’s creations are a testament to his commitment to addressing social issues, making his work a powerful platform for conveying messages of empowerment and protection. His pieces are not merely adornments; they are symbols of empowerment and defense, reflecting the strength and resilience of the wearer.
One of the distinguishing features of Marfo’s work is the seamless fusion of African traditional and contemporary aesthetic languages while incorporating cross-cultural influences derived from his lived experiences. His art appropriates motifs and design attributes from vulnerable living organisms, emphasizing their defensive mechanisms and attributes crucial to their survival within their environment.
Drawing inspiration from the concept of Natural Synthesis, a concept developed by members of the Zaria Art Society, Marfo employs natural, traditional, and Western materials to create body adornments that provide protection for vulnerable groups, all while highlighting, reclaiming, and asserting his cultural heritage.
What sets Glover Marfo’s work apart is not only its aesthetic appeal but also its profound social and cultural relevance. His art serves as a catalyst for empowerment and protection while celebrating cultural diversity and heritage. Through his creations, Marfo invites potential viewers, followers, and fans to engage with art that goes beyond the visual and engages with the social and the emotional, a journey into the shared struggle for survival, evolution, and the pursuit of a better world.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey from a challenging childhood in Ghana to my current role as a visiting professor in metalsmithing is a testament to the resilience and unwavering commitment that has defined my path. Growing up in Ghana, I faced a myriad of difficulties that could have easily derailed my ambitions, particularly my passion for jewelry design and metalsmithing. The limited resources and access to tools, and equipment in my early years presented substantial barriers to my artistic aspirations. The prospect of formal education in the field seemed distant. Despite these challenges, I chose not to be disheartened by the obstacles before me.
Instead, I embraced the spirit of determination. Due to the absence of conventional tools and materials, I improvised, using whatever resources were at my disposal to explore and hone my skills in metalsmithing. In response to the lack of tools, I embarked on a journey of resourcefulness and innovation. Faced with a dearth of conventional tools, I took it upon myself to create my own chasing tools, which served as essential instruments for forging as a metalsmith. This resourceful approach not only facilitated my learning but also became a pivotal aspect of my artistic growth. These self-crafted tools provided me with the means to develop my forging skills, enabling me to shape and manipulate metals with precision and creativity.
Moreover, in the face of limited materials, I embarked on an exploration of contemporary artistic practices. The shortage of traditional materials compelled me to think innovatively and experiment with unconventional substances. This venture into contemporary artistic practice broadened my horizons as a metalsmith. I began incorporating a diverse range of materials, which added a new dimension to my creations. This journey into the world of contemporary art not only enriched my artistic palette but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the versatility and adaptability of the craft. It is a testament to the transformative power of artistic resourcefulness and adaptability, which has played a pivotal role in my artistic journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an international artist in metalsmithing.
My learning process since childhood was marked by trial and error, but my commitment remained unwavering. I spent countless hours in dedicated self-study, refining my craft through sheer determination. My childhood was a period of artistic growth, during which I developed a strong foundation in metalsmithing that has ultimately shaped my future.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my artistic journey is the profound impact I have been able to make by employing art as a medium to shed light on the pressing social issues of Ghana. Central to my artistic philosophy is the artful intersection of functionality and symbolism within jewelry adornments, which serve as tangible symbols of protection, elegance, and metaphoric empowerment for women who have endured physical and emotional abuse. This endeavor has been deeply fulfilling, as it has allowed me to tailor my creative work to meet the specific needs of my society, addressing social challenges through artistic expression. As a result of these efforts, my work has garnered recognition and dissemination, finding a place in numerous museums, galleries, and art shows, both within and outside of the United States.
My artistic journey has taken me to a multitude of prestigious institutions and platforms, where I have had the privilege of sharing my creations and insights with diverse audiences. Notably, I was recently selected as an emerging artist for Ohio by the Ohio Craft Museum, a distinction that acknowledges the significance of my work within the artistic landscape. Additionally, I was honored to be chosen as an emerging artist for the SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) Tiding Waves Symposium, which further underscores the impact and recognition of my artistic endeavors. Some of the notable venues that have featured my work include the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum, Ohio Craft Museum, Wellington B. Gray Gallery, and the Cincinnati Contemporary Art Center, among others. My passion for art and my commitment to addressing social issues have also extended into the realm of education, as I have been given the opportunity to teach metalworking classes in galleries and museums across the United States, imparting the principles of craftsmanship, empowerment, and social engagement to aspiring artists. Furthermore, my work has found a place in various publications, such as SNAG Magazine, Battle of the Ring, and New York Jewelry Week Magazine, underscoring the broader recognition and influence of my creative pursuits.
In conclusion, the most rewarding aspect of my journey as an artist is the ability to leverage art as a potent means of shedding light on the social issues that impact the lives of individuals in Ghana. By crafting jewelry adornments that seamlessly blend functionality and symbolism, I have been able to empower and dignify women who have experienced physical and emotional abuse, offering them a metaphorical source of strength and protection. This artistic pursuit, rooted in a deep connection to the needs of my society, has not only earned me a place in esteemed institutions and publications but has also allowed me to share my passion and knowledge through teaching. My artistic legacy is marked by its capacity to serve as an agent of social change, a medium through which important narratives are told, and a source of empowerment for those in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: glovermarfo.com
- Instagram: glovermarfoart
- Facebook: Glover Marfo
Image Credits
An Wang CAC