We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Oba Iman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Oba , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
From a young age, I discovered my creative side by expressing my emotions through drawings on the walls of my mother’s apartment. This love for art has always stayed with me, and in 2017, I began building my own personal art collection, with a deep belief that I would eventually become an artist. In 2019, just before my mother’s passing, she stumbled upon my original artwork on a 36 x 48 canvas titled “I am” and curiously asked me which gallery I had purchased it from. I was taken aback and quietly confessed that I was the artist behind it. The expression on her face was priceless, as if she had witnessed something truly extraordinary. Her compliment and reaction made me realize the immense power of art, and from that moment onwards, I aspired to become a professional creative.
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.
Hi! My name is Oba Iman, an independent creative artist hailing from Harlem. My passion lies in creating original and authentic digital and mixed media art pieces. Among my friends and family, I am known as the artistic one.
Throughout my life, I have gained valuable skills and independence through various job experiences and different roles. I have always had a keen eye for art and have dedicated my time to honing my artistic skills. From painting walls to redecorating furniture, drawing on apparel, sketching characters, and experimenting with different art techniques, I have immersed myself in the world of art. It has always been my superpower, allowing me to express my creativity, emotions, and style, and adding immense value to my life.
In 2021, amidst the uncertainties of life, I had a revelation that deepened my appreciation for connecting people through art. For nine months, I embarked on a solitary journey, pouring my heart and soul into designing a unique logo that represents my lifelong commitment to creativity. This logo not only reflects who I am but also serves as a creative face for individuals who want to discover their own creative voice.
By May 2023, after receiving positive feedback from selling custom canvases, I was encouraged to take a leap of faith and launch my online store, Oba Iman. This store focuses on creativity and imagination in the art and design industry.
I am here today because I never let go of my childhood dream of becoming an artist.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
This exciting new venture has opened up a whole new world for me, filled with endless possibilities and surprises. Every morning, I wake up with a bubbling sense of anticipation, eager to dive into creating new products or serving my valued clients.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this incredible journey is the opportunity to share my deep passion for art with others and inspire them along the way. As I respond to this question, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have found the courage to pursue my dreams.
Yet, the true reward lies in witnessing the sheer joy on my clients’ faces when they lay eyes on their personalized pieces or when they’re asked, “Where did you get that?” The satisfaction that my art brings speaks volumes, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
Although, I’m still learning about NFTs. They’re truly amazing! You get the chance to own digital asset. If you’re an Art fanatic- I’m sure you already own a few. These extraordinary digital creations or media files have the power to revolutionize finance, gaming, real estate, music, art and preserve family legacies. I genuinely wish for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the tech-savvy Generation Alpha and the wise Generation Z, to fully experience the joy of collecting NFTs. Whenever you’re ready to collaborate, remember to consider me for your one-of-a-kind token.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.obaiman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Oba_Iman/
Image Credits
Oba Iman
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