Originally from Cameroon (West Africa) I am a senior in the University of Texas at Dallas studying Visual Arts. Throughout high school, drawing was the only form of art I explored. Although I had never painted, I always felt like I needed to. In the fall of 2003, I took my first painting class at UT Dallas and my experience was amazing. As I did more paintings, my passion for art gradually grew. So much that art became a part of me. Painting allows me to experience the world in a unique way. As a maturing artist, I am gradually experiencing art and still learning from it.
Painting has been the area of my concentration in studio art. I started painting with oil paint in the fall off 2003. Most of my work has been done with oils and a few with acrylic paint. I enjoy the idea of using different objects on a canvas to give texture and a three dimensional effect. I have used push pins, foil and hair extensions on my paintings. I have been developing a series of paintings that focuses on the feminine hair. I paint images of women and the personality of their hair. To give a realistic impression, I attached real hair extensions that complement the painted hair. The hair extensions I use on my paintings are my personal hair extensions that I have used on my hair. I believe that a woman’s hair has rhythm. It tells her story, yet leaves an obscure message. I usually notice the style of a females’ hair and it gives me an insight about them. My heritage as a native West African is a big influence on my painting approach. My mother taught me how to braid and style hair at the age of fourteen. I have been manipulating hair and hair extensions since then. I have realized that this skill and my attention to the details of females’ hair is why I chose to explore it in my paintings.
In the summer of 2005, I studied abroad in Paris, France and the experience was beyond my imagination. Paris is known as the city of art, culture and fashion. I visited The Louvre (museum) and it changed my world. I saw some amazing sculptures and paintings. I obviously took the opportunity to see the famous Mona Lisa. I studied French Architecture and Art history. In this class, I learned about the growth and transitions of Paris Architecture over history. Having knowledge about the city’s architectural history increased my appreciation for its unique beauty. The exquisiteness of Paris is how the ‘Old’ and ‘New’ complement each other. Through CEA (Cultural Experience Abroad) I had the opportunity to visit Monet’s home and the gorgeous Water Lilly Garden. I spent most of my time in Art Museums, taking lots of pictures and learning about the different Art Movements in History. The art and culture I was exposed to in Paris reinforced my goals as an artist.
My art work is inspired by my thoughts, emotions and imaginations. Thoughts that are secret to my being, emotions that I have experienced and my mysterious imaginations. I reveal these things cautiously and incautiously in my work. As I paint, I learn more about myself and my images. I am gradually improving my skills and understanding my art work.