SKILL UP! IT CAN BE LEARNED... | by Ehigocho Agih

Sometime in February, I took professional art lessons at Forest Arts and Crafts Gallery, Makurdi, Benue State in Nigeria. For me, it was really empowering because it has helped me through a mind healing process but most importantly, I love art, it's a big part of my life. I've always wanted to master this skill and make an addition to my list of skills and now, I'm beginning to work and guide pencil to create what I need it to but, I have learned a lot more during this process that I thought to share;

1. THAT WHICH YOU THINK IS SO DIFFICULT MIGHT TURN OUT TO BE THE EASIEST THING YOU'VE EVER DONE: Even though pencil portraiture is not exactly easy, it's really not rocket science like I thought it was even with the drawing gift I already possess, I still thought these artists somehow fell from the sky because, it amazed me how they did these things but I have learned through this process that nothing is as difficult as it seems especially if you put your mind to it and give it your time and patience.

2. POWER OF MENTORSHIP: Most of my skills are self taught but with this, I decided to sit under a Master, I didn't want to take any chances in learning the ropes of this new skill and whoosh... I made the right decision. Having someone to hold you by the hand and take you through a journey is powerful, there's a confidence that comes with it. Mr. B has been an amazing mentor, sometimes I get tired because omoooo! The detailing in pencil art no be anybody mate walai! He pushes I and my colleagues beyond our limits, appraises our strengths and corrects our mistakes.

3. EXCELLENCE: If you know me well, I'm all about excellence and pencil portraiture has tested that. Mr B will always say in pidgin "No de do rushed work, even if na only eye you use hours or days to do, take your time, do am well". Sometimes, I felt frustrated for staying too long on a drawing while I watched my colleagues finish up theirs in no time, but my concern is the end result, I'm making a replica of a person or object by hand with pencil, so it has to be done with care, I wouldn't want to draw Bisi to look like Iya Risi in Oshodi Market, No nau! Everyone's pace is different, so celebrate yours and produce superior works of excellence.

So, I'm happy and honoured to wear the "Artist" cap also, it's giving me really good feels, I see all my skills coming together one after another and I look forward to what God will help me do with all of them, I'd love to have my mind blown. So, is there a skill you would love to learn but feel you can't? Go on and skill up! It can be learned....