Lawyer Olawuyi Finds Passion In Art

Some God-given talents don’t need the help of a coach or teacher to blossom, so suggests the skill of self-thought artist Mr. Samuel Olawuyi. As a child, Olawuyi always loved to draw on paper, just like any other child. He would draw cartoon characters on any paper or wall.

Though Samuel holds a Bachelors degree in Law, his passion for art keeps getting stronger. Recently, Olawuyi spoke with The Guardian on his journey so far as well as future plans for art.

Studying law instead of fine arts, he said, was due to poor orientation and peer pressure. “We all wanted professional jobs, so when it was time to choose a course of study at the university, Fine Arts was far from it,” he said. “When I got to the university and saw people studying fine arts and even Yoruba I was shocked. I always love to argue but now I know that law is not all about argument.”

At the university, he kept his passion for art going, and help and support from Mr. Omidiran Gbolade, also an artist, he said, boosted the passion. While in school, Olawuyi sold some of his works to family members and friends. Then he realised that what he was doing for fun could also fetch him money, too, adding, “Even now, it’s not about the money, I get joy of fulfillment from what I do.”

Although studying law was tasking, Olawuyi always created time for his art, “That is the power of passion; the little time I had, I would read about artists, read art books and practice at the same time”.

Abstract, wood collage, araism, realism, impressionism, bronze works are his interest, noting, “Abstract tells the story beyond the surface, and araism works depict illusion of motion”.

Though Samuel graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, last December, he has had exhibitions within and outside the country. “I have my works in local and international galleries and I have started exhibiting my works locally and internationally, I have had one in Florida, U.S., and five in the country”.

Olawuyi said he was planning to have a joint exhibition and stressed the challenges that come with the job, “sometimes my work could be in a gallery for months with no buyers; it can be discouraging. The job is also stressful, especially when I have to do collage”.

He said he has enjoyed support from his father, who always advised him to follow his dreams. “Parents should encourage their children in a particular field they indicate interest in,” and said parents should have a close relationship with their children to enable them open up on every issue. “It’s a pity that art is not appreciated in the country as abroad, as most people are not even aware of what artists do. Government can build structures for art schools and employ qualified teachers to coach interested pupils, and probably create a platform where people can discuss art. This will aid artistic development in the country.”

Some of Olawuyi’s works are at Omidiran Art Gallery, Reconnect Art.