INTRODUCTION
My name is Ogunshola Clinton Juwon. I'm an artist- a painter. I primarily work with oil on canvas while mixing in other materials when the piece calls for it. I draw inspiration from life experiences, my environment, and the people around me. Creating art is my passion; I love to do it, it fuels my creative hunger.
CAN YOU GIVE A BRIEF BACKGROUND OF YOUR ART JOURNEY?
My artistic journey began when I was a child with drawing. My dad recognized this gift early on. While I initially thought about becoming a bank accountant, my dad advised me to consider a career as an artist. Before that decision, I was already an apprentice to an artist in Badagry, I would go to learn from him after school.
I then pursued formal art education: I earned my National Diploma (ND) in General Art from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, completing my Industrial Training (IT) at The Universal Studios of Art. Subsequently, I proceeded to Yaba College of Technology, where I focused on Painting for my Higher National Diploma (HND).
Today, I am fully dedicated to my practice as an artist. While the journey hasn't been smooth, it has certainly been a beautiful one.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT THE SYMBOLISM USED IN YOU PIECE?
The Tornado-like image represents the inner chaos we all experience, and it powerfully mirrors my own life and journey as an artist. It also captures the sharp contrast between that chaos and a state of peace.
Crucially, it emphasises that chaos is a constant presence I've navigated throughout my life—but how I've navigated it has changed. Some chaotic periods I've overcome through calmness; others I've met with a fight. There have also been times when the chaos simply left me weary. On the canvas, I decided to represent all these different responses.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE VIEWERS TAKE AWAY FROM EXPERIENCING YOUR ART?
I want viewers experiencing my work to feel a deep connection. This connection operates on multiple levels. My aim is for the art to come alive in the viewer's mind, allowing them to connect not just with the final piece, but with the very process: the actions I took as the artist, the thoughts moving through my mind – all captured in motion. They experience the turbulence, the motion, the doubt, the uncertainty, the double-mindedness.
Crucially, I also want viewers to feel seen. Through this deep resonance with the work, I hope it brings them to a state of stillness or calmness. They perceive the sacredness within the piece, and this ignites a spark of hope – the hope that they, too, can navigate their own storms.
WHAT MAJOR CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN ARTIST?
Like many artists, I face challenges in consistently finding inspiration for new works. Navigating the path of becoming an artist itself also demands immense courage and determination to reach greatness.
The collection I created right after my HND program emerged from a profound phase of doubt and uncertainty. Questions like "What's next?" and the overwhelming task of entering the professional art space. Frankly, it was a challenge. But I fought hard, refusing to let these circumstances define me. Instead, I poured my doubts directly onto the canvas, transforming my challenges into the very substance of the art I made.
Practical hurdles exist too. Sourcing materials can be difficult, though I prepared ahead before graduation to secure supplies. The bigger challenge then was finding workspace. Yet, echoing a theme in my art, breakthroughs do come. Challenges are eventually overcome. Central to this resilience is my faith – the crucial guidance of God, who is the captain of my ship.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WILL LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT ANY OF YOUR PIECES?
A piece is never finished for me, but as an artist, you must know when to stop. There is an image of what you envision to create and while at it, you will know when to stop, when you know that the work is okay. There is a creator hunger in me so it goes beyond creating for an audience, I primarily create for me. When a work is still in my possession and I feel a creative hunger towards it and retouch some part of the work that I feel should be touched. But once a work leaves me, that it is, there is nothing left to be changed.
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR ARTISTS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WORK?
My artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by the people I've encountered in the art scene, especially those who have tutored me. I deeply acknowledge the influence of Mr. Awesu Gafar, under whom I served as an apprentice, along with my lecturers and instructors during my Industrial Training. Their guidance has been invaluable to my practice.
Beyond these direct teachers, I've also actively sought mentors in specific areas of an artist's life. For insights into lifestyle, ethics, artistic work, and navigating the art market, I turn to Mr. Abiodun Olaku and Mr. Adebayo Atanda – figures from different generations. I've been fortunate to communicate directly with both, hearing their perspectives on art, seeking their counsel, and sharing viewpoints. This engagement goes far beyond simply viewing their existing artworks and has benefited me immensely.
ANY OTHER WORDS?
Artists must be bold, courageous, and relentlessly hardworking. Boldness is crucial for success, yet it's rarely taught. I know this firsthand: early on, I possessed the craftsmanship but lacked the courage to fully claim my creations. I was held back, overly concerned with others' perspectives.
This is why I believe renowned artists have a vital role: to guide the emerging generation. They can instill the courage needed for younger artists to pursue their vision fearlessly.
While technical skills are essential, they aren't enough. Equally important is the courage and confidence to speak about your work; to articulate its meaning and value, both to others and to yourself. This conviction in your art is fundamental.
