Funmilola Adeseun, an Art and Design Fundamentals program graduate, was awarded an incredible position at Lakeshore Arts for the Emerging Black Artist Residency Program. With only three positions available, this is an outstanding achievement! Below, Funmilola shares her experiences as an artist, her thoughts on being selected for the residency, and her time in the program. She also offers advice for emerging artists.
1. What first inspired you to pursue a career as an artist?
I trained as an Architect at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Now, I have embarked on my lifelong plan to be a professional Artist, and for this reason, I enrolled in Centennial College’s Story Art Center. Art is in my blood and has always been my choice, but early on, my father lovingly advised me to study Architecture as a more lucrative career option, hence, my diversion to Architecture.
2. What styles do you use when creating your pieces? And how do you find your inspiration to create?
I am an expressionist and able to use all mediums. However, the mediums I have so far explored for my creations are acrylic, watercolour, conte, charcoal, pencil, ink, and clay. Life inspires me. Happenings around me inspire me, be it mundane daily routines or extraordinary events, and I tell the stories through my creations. As long as I am conscious and happy, I create.
3. When did you first hear about the Black Emerging Artist Residency, and what pushed you to apply?
I heard about Lakeshore Arts’ Emerging Black Artist Residency (EBAR) from my drawing class Professor, Kendra and her kind and subtle encouragement nudged me to apply.
4. How did you feel when you found out you were chosen among the three available positions?
I was ecstatic because I felt that since I was a new entrant into the professional world of artists, I was unprepared to go public. So, I felt truly blessed and honoured to have been considered by Lakeshore Arts and resolved to give it my best.
5. Now that the eight-week residency is complete, can you share your overall thoughts on the experience and what you enjoyed the most?
The residency was extended by 2 weeks, therefore it ran for 10 weeks, after which we had quality control sessions for another 2 weeks counting down to the exhibition. Comprehensively, it was 12 weeks of hard work and sleepless nights. Firstly, I tremendously enjoyed every moment because the freedom to express myself in any way I chose was liberating. Secondly, the communal spirit of working in a studio with other exceptionally talented artists was motivating. Thirdly, the focus and commitment of the organisers, Lakeshore Arts, towards our success was empowering. Moreover, the build-up to the exhibition was a thrilling experience. Presenting my creations to the public was an exhilarating driver and I gave it my best.
6. What elements did you find most helpful that made you glad you applied for the residency?
Firstly, I am glad that I shared my work with the public because the joyful feedback was encouraging. Secondly, I am glad about the enlightenment from the special workshops by Anique (@Aniquejordan), which were activated for us by Lakeshore Arts to aid our career success. All in all, I found the organizers’ touch extra special and thankful that I applied for the EBAR.
7. Can you share a bit about the art you created for The Nature of Intricate Things, the methods you used to create the art, and your vision behind it?
My exhibits for the Nature of Intricate Things were 2 large artworks named‘Owanbe’ and ‘Celebration of Motherhood.'’
- ‘Owanbe’ is a colourful and textured acrylic painting (size 1 .8m x 1.2m) and composition that visually depicts my Yoruba culture’s vibrant style of partying.
- ‘Celebration of Motherhood’ is an ode to women. This is a tapestry of multiple drawings and paintings on canvases (multi-media). In this artwork, I expressed my generative and nurturing culture by studying my daughter’s positive energy as she experienced a journey similar to mine.
8. Did you feel the Art and Design Fundamentals program helped prepare you for your career and for this residency?
Yes, ADF prepared and positioned me well for EBAR, and my successful tenure at EBAR proved this. I was motivated and confident enough to do all I envisioned because that is ADF’s modus operandi.
9. What is your advice to emerging artists or something you wish you would have known when you were starting out?
To achieve your heart’s desire, I advise Emerging Artists to be bold, not procrastinate and explore all credible avenues for success because doors do open when you least expect it.
Congratulations, Funmilola, on this incredible accomplishment!
By: Alexandra Few
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