Today we’d like to introduce you to Iretomide.
Hi Iretomide, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Lagos Nigeria. Growing up, my older brother used to draw a lot and I wanted to be like him. As a result, I began drawing everything he did, and found that I enjoyed creating art void of my initial desire to be like him. I became obsessed with getting better at drawing, with my most notable initial pieces being pencil and charcoal portraits, later in my teen years I moved towards oil paints in an effort to create a unique style that I believed reflected my personal viewpoint on life. I have since refined my style and began exploring acrylics as well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, the biggest struggle I face lies in the fact that ideas are always ahead of execution. Nothing I make ever ends up looking exactly like what I had in my head and that can sometimes be frustrating. But understanding that that is a common and normal phenomenon amongst artists has been super liberating. Other than that, things have been going pretty well.
I mean I could use some more money too, but that will come eventually, I’m not too worried lol.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, I am a painter and industrial designer, as far as what I am most known for, that’s a good question; That’s definitely a question for others to answer. However, I think most people know me as the guy that makes the “scary” but “beautiful” paintings, but also chairs.
I currently work across two mediums. My oils typically feature figures in a state of melancholy in an effort to capture emotions i believe are kept hidden by most people. My acrylics on the other hand are more experimental, fun, geometric pieces that are really focused on exploring colors and a childish approach to creating.
Honestly, pride isn’t an emotion I like to associate with creating in general, I just make things and forget about them, I don’t really dwell on things once they’ve been completed. Everything can be better so I actually don’t look too closely at my work once completed or I get annoyed.
I think what sets me apart from others, is my willingness to express emotions that most people shy away from… I guess. Sorry, I don’t really like talking about myself, it makes me feel oddly pretentious.
What matters most to you? Why?
That’s a bit of a loaded question. Generally speaking, health/fitness mean the most to me. I am a huge advocate for exercise and really believe it to be a key to creativity; If the body is right, the mind is too, and if the mind is right, creating is significantly easier.
Regarding art more specifically, finishing the thought is all that matters to me honestly. I have a lot of ideas and they nag at me until they are completed. I need to expunge them in order to shut my brain up.
Oh, and ice cream, and Jesus, and family, that too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iretomidestudio.com/art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iretomideo/
