Today we’d like to introduce you to Augustine Uzor.
Augustine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far
I was that kid who sketched all his teachers at the back of his notebook while they taught in class, an obsession that saw me develop special skills after discovering that I was more of a visual learner. Although self-taught to an extent, my early years in art saw me question everything around me. This led to discoveries as my quest and desire for artistic Knowledge knew no boundaries. Born and raised in Nigeria, I had a different orientation as to what the importance of art was to society and the financial implications in a third world country. No sane parent ever wanted their kids to be artists as the fragile nature of the economy had no place for them, thereby making them financially unstable if they decided to delve into it. In my case, I was a rebel and wanted to be an artist or nothing else. It was me against the world as I stuck to my dreams and did not care about the backlash. It Hasn’t been an easy journey, but I have been able to pull through. I completed my undergraduate studies in visual arts where I bagged my Bachelor’s degree in Painting and Drawing in 2013, Shortly after I moved to the USA to pursue my dreams and I have been practicing ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all. As an immigrant who has been in America for only four years, I had to start all over again. Although I already bagged a bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Nigeria Nsukka back in 2013, I had to go back to school in pursuit of a master’s degree in Painting and Drawing. Juggling school and business have been very challenging, but that’s the hustle. Trying to make a living while teaching and being a student at the same time is a lifestyle that consumes anyone putting on similar shoes. You see yourself almost transform into this obsessive animal, and that has the capability of destroying your relationship with family and friends. Also, these responsibilities can be financially draining when they bounce off each other.
Please tell us about your work.
I primarily am a studio artist who makes painting and drawings for a living. Apart from taking drawing and painting commissions, occasionally, I participate in gallery shows, sales of artworks, and workshops.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I think I will follow the same path I am on right now, but this time make sure I do not leave any stone unturned. Maybe invest more in my business from a very early age and never second guess myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: austinuzor.com
- Email: uzaustin@gmail.com
- Instagram: Austin.uzor.7
Image Credit:
Austin uzor
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