Meet the Artist:
Interview with Valerie Nkesi Etitinwo
Valerie Etitinwo, a Nigerian-Swiss artist, creates abstract figurative paintings which celebrate the beauty of ugliness and awkwardness.
Where are you in your creative journey? How did you get there?
I think I’m in a very good place right now. I’ve reached a balance between consistency and experimentation when it comes to my style. I think this is something that a lot of artists struggle with. When you’re “known” for a specific type of style, you tend to feel stuck and get scared to explore. I personally overcame that fear when I started painting full time. It’s been a dream of mine to fully immerse myself into my craft and the growth has been amazing.
Has community impacted your artlife and style? If so, how so?
Yes! Community is everything. I didn’t realize this until I moved to Lagos, Nigeria. I don’t think it has impacted my style but it definitely made a difference in my artlife. Being a studio artist can be very lonely sometimes. It’s one of the downsides of the job. So having a community of people who are in the same boat made me feel less alone. There’s always a friend to visit or to call. (I used to live in Geneva, Switzerland).
What advice would you give to an artist just starting their art career?
Post your work online! And not just your work but your process. I actually need to listen to myself more. Also, get out of your house/studio. Go to as many exhibitions as possible, not just to network but to get inspired as well. I wish I had done this more often in the beginning because it would have help me to avoid burned out situations.
What does success in the art world look like for you?
For me, the biggest thing is to be comfortable (financially) being a full time artist. I don’t need to be famous but I want my work to be recognized in my industry.
What exciting endeavors lie ahead for you? What can our community anticipate from your future ventures, and how can they support?
I’m in a transitional stage of my life and career. I just moved to my home country so right now I’m really just going with the flow. I’m definitely going to participate in more exhibitions in Lagos so I’m excited to become part of the art space in Africa.
Artist Contact Info:
Website: https://valerieetitinwo.com/
Email: valerieetitinwoart@outlook.com
Instagram: @valeriedarkietoo
All images are property of Valerie Nkesi Etitinwo