We recently connected with Lokho Kotile and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lokho thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I distinctly remember the summer of 2011, I had just finished 7th grade and was bored out of mind. Most of my days were spent listening to music on my old mp3 player and staring out the window. My oldest brother had just moved away for college and so his old room was personal play place. A room for my creativity, he never knew this. My other brothers had extracurricular activities and my mom worked late nights at the hospital. I was mostly home alone with my dad, to occupy my time my dad insisted that I don’t waste away and do something with my time. He was kind enough to take me to Micheal’s. It was my first time exploring a big giant craft store. With so much to choose from, I took a small canvas and a couple of acrylic paints. I did not expect anything to come out of it. Little did I realize how much I love painting. My house became my own mini art gallery. Through painting, I found a love of the arts, I loved creating nothing into something. From this experience I knew I wanted to be an artist someday.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, My name is Lokho Kotile. I am an Oromo visual artist based in Minnesota. My work involves the essence of storytelling. I believe in the power of creating vulnerability through art. I use various mediums to convey this message. I am especially interested in the theme of home and belonging. Two years ago, I had the opportunity of having a solo show at Soomaal House of Art in Minneapolis. The show was about the essence of Home and how it feels to not always belong. I was really happy to show my work to an audience, especially my Oromo culture. With each project I aim to create feelings of reflection. I want my work to invoke questions within ourselves to ponder on, creating an intuitive state of mind.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I always had an insecurity of not being “Oromo enough”. I was born here and raised in place that was away from my culture. When my family moved to the twin cities, in the early 2000s was when I was saw people that looked like me. I never felt like i was truly immersed in my culture. I was ashamed that I did not know how to speak my mother tongue. I was obsessed with the concept of home and identity, My creative work drives from a places of wanting to understand myself and where I come from. Im currently exploring animation and I’m working on character designs that reflect traditional Oromo cultural figures.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part is the responses from audiences. I love hearing what people love and hate about my work. It makes the Art move. It no longer becomes about the creator. In art school I learned the importance of critique and public discussion about Art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lokhokotile.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lokholens/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lokhoslens6490?si=_sE5lOK0LayIeTCq

Image Credits
Lokho Kotile