Many of you may not realize that besides being a Hiram Award-winning author, I am also a bit of an artiste. I started at a young age. This colorful drawing to my left was done in first grade. I titled it "Portrait of the Artist as a Turkey" and it hung on the bulletin board of my classroom for at least a month, the teacher was so proud. (My classmates' drawings were up there too, but really, mine was the best.)
Over the years, I've learned to experiment with various mediums. This little beauty was originally going to be a statement of sentiment using simple wooden sticks, but my artistic flair took over, and I added sparkles and cotton balls to fully express my true feelings regarding the holiday season. To me, it's simply a bundle of my raw inner essence, and it brings me to tears each time I pull it out in December. I call it "Snowflake of My Soul."
I'm not limited to colored wax or rounded wooden sticks when creating my art. Sometimes – most often in winter – I'm inspired to sculpt. This existential masterpiece was created in a flurry of artistic fervor. Using raw materials like snow, twigs, rocks, and a carrot, I was able to catch what can only be described as a startling statement against the political disarray that has kept Cameroon in the national spotlight for so many years. I call it "Bridge Over the Katsina Ala River." I can only hope this stark sculpture can bring peace in that troubled land.
I've found that many, many people simply don't understand my art. I'm sure I'm not the only artist who feels this way. The only one who has been truly supportive of my work is my mother, who often says "you know, dear, as an artist, you're really more of a writer." I'm not sure what that means, but she still proudly displays my creations on her refrigerator until I leave.
I've found that many, many people simply don't understand my art. I'm sure I'm not the only artist who feels this way. The only one who has been truly supportive of my work is my mother, who often says "you know, dear, as an artist, you're really more of a writer." I'm not sure what that means, but she still proudly displays my creations on her refrigerator until I leave.
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