Tell us a little about your background and how it has influenced your life and choices. Does art run in the family?
I was born on 10th March, 1993 into the family of Mr Ali Ocheja and Mrs Victoria Ocheja. I’m a second child of six children; a native of Kogi State from the Igala-speaking community of Nigeria. I live in Kaduna. Well art in a way does run in the family, from my dad to my immediate and extended family; they all can sketch quite decently, but never took it seriously. So far, I think am the only one who wants to take Art as a career.
Some notable artists just stumbled on the art, and fell in love with it. What›s it with you? How did your fascination with art begin and what kind of training did you have for it, if any?
First of all, I never went for any art training; I’m self-taught. I won’t say I stumbled upon art. I’ve always loved drawing ever since I was a kid. I almost got punished in class once for drawing while my teacher was teaching. But along the line, I lost my passion for drawing because my parents didn’t really like the idea of me becoming an artist. And not just that; I wasn’t reading; my notes were filled with drawings of cartoons of different characters. So, they discouraged it but it didn’t kill that burning desire to make portraits. I just didn’t do anything about it not until my third year in the university, and I just couldn’t control that burning desire any longer when I saw my friend, Peter Ojingiri’s artworks. They were amazing and ever since, I never stopped
Describe your art. And what was responsible for this choice of genre of art?
I do hyper-realistic graphite and charcoal pencil art. I would say my personality is at play in my genre of art. I’ve always been told I could do better, go an extra mile; so, over the years, it became a part of me. Art wasn’t any different. I just wasn’t satisfied with drawing figures. I didn’t even know hyperrealism was possible till I was told about Harinze Art. I couldn’t believe my eyes at the things I saw. Ever since then, I’ve been pushing myself to do better; go that extra mile and bring out details that you won’t be able to differentiate my drawings from black and white photographs.
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been drawing for about a year now, and I am currently in my final year in the university. I took art very seriously in my third year (in the university).
What determines the objects or personalities you sketch?
Basically, I draw people I know personally; that way, I can connect with them and bring them to live on my paper. I also love to draw celebrities, because they are public figures. A lot of people get to relate more and see how well I draw. Basically, all I need is some forms of connection between me and my subjects.
What is the driving force for you on this path – financial success? fame? And would you say your choice has paid off?
We know the normal saying that artists don’t make a lot of money in Nigeria, so I won’t really say its financial success or fame either. But of course, I’ve always wanted to be known for something, so a little of fame maybe. There is this unsatisfied desire I have to create art that is so realistic; art beyond what the normal mind can conceive. So, every time I hold my pencils, all I want to do is satisfy that inner desire and I’m not even close to satisfying it.
I really can’t say it’s paying off for now though I get one or two commissions here and there. I know it will eventually pay off.
Is your family comfortable with your choice as an artist? Have there been pressures to do something else other than art?
Well, so far, they’ve been very supportive. They weren’t at first being the reason I’m studying Statistics in the university; but now I have their full blessing. They even believe more in my art than statistics.
It hasn’t featured in any exhibition, though there is this new gallery in Kaduna, Hubbiz Empire. They reached out and wanted my drawings displayed in their gallery, and so far there have been reactions and positive comments on social media
Which of your works, so far, would you say gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment as an artist?
‘Black’. It is the drawing of a lady with very dark skin. She’s dark and beautiful, and she’s proud of her skin color. We Africans have so enslaved ourselves thinking the white colour skin is better, thereby bleaching our skin to look white. That’s mind slavery. We need to stand our ground and be very proud of our skin or we’ll be forever limited in life. I need you all to join the movement and say ‘I am an African; I am black, and black is beautiful’.
Who is the strongest influence on your life as an artist?
I’ve been influenced by a couple of artists, but Arinze Stanley Egbengwu influenced me the most.
What is the philosophy that drives you?
Passion, practice, patience, persistence, prayer and endurance.
and then