We all have that gift God has given to us. Some of us never discovered it while some who did never made something out of it. Isaac Chukwuakasiemobi Udeh not only did he discover his God-given gift, he is passionate about it and determined to impact his world against all odds. Here he shares his experience, challenges and determination to use his gift to build the path of success for himself…Tricia Iwuoha
Hello Chukwu, briefly tell us about yourself
My name is Isaac Chukwuakasiemobi Udeh, born on the 20th of September, 1997. I’m the first born with two younger siblings. We are all boys. My father is a Nigerian from Enugu State to be precise while my mom is a Ghanaian. I have lived my entire life in Ghana since childbirth. My favorite colors are black and yellow. Everything around me is Art and that is the life I want to live, an Art life.
How did you venture into painting?
I would say that I ventured into loving art from the day I was born because I was told that from infancy I enjoyed scribbling with writing materials like colour pencils and pen. Fast tracking, I loved doing and associating myself with art related activities and individuals so I could better my ability but then what actually pushed me into Painting as my specialty was out of a state of depression I was in back in the days and painting was the only thing I could do properly that I could channel my energy into so as to stand strong and firm. Until situations of life hit me hard in the face and I decided to take my painting abilities seriously and professionally to also make a living out of it and impact the lives of young creatives like me by letting them know that there is HOPE, so never give up.
How did your parents feel about your love for painting growing up as a child?
Growing up as a child, I wasn’t academically good and my energy was into extra curriculum activities such as art, sports, cadet, drama and so many other and that’s where I was doing well until I developed more interest for art and my parents weren’t okay with that because I was always saying I want to be a painter of footballer. They thought I was joking until I kept on showing so many signs that I’m actually desperate to be a painter. My parents especially my father never wanted me to pursue any art related course he felt it wouldn’t be a good path to toe. But then now, I feel proud and excited that I stood on my words and I’m doing well, changing the narrative of how parents don’t feel okay with theirs wards studying what they are passionate about.
What’s unique about your kind of painting?
I think what makes my style of painting unique is how am able to put a given audience into suspense and making them have a “WOW” after a limited period of time and also how I’m able to painting upside and in various pieces to make a complete work. I think with that it makes my work and performance unique and memorable.
Having seen some of your videos on Instagram, I wonder how you paint people without using their pictures. How do you do that?
As a performer you need to rehearse, practice and prepare to be able to deliver. Usually, I practice several times before I go behind the canvass, so then immediately I get there all I have to do is give a quick prayer and then I deliver. It’s just like a musician who comes to perform on stage, he does rehearsal before he comes to hold the microphone and deliver. So that’s how I trained myself.
What inspires you?
God is my number one inspiration, my parents, family and friends even people I don’t know. Everyone and everything around me is an inspiration. My aspiration to be a successful painter and a legend who has impacted the lives of many through art is an inspiration to me.
Besides, painting what else are you good at?
Even with the painting I don’t think I’m too good like people think I am. I’m still learning a lot when it comes to painting and art in general, but then I believe I try and do my possible best to deliver. I think I’m good at taken up certain leadership roles which aims at making a change and impact within any space I find myself.
Who is your role model?
A performance painter from The United States of America called David Garibaldi, an artist from Ghana, Ablade Glover and a businessman from Nigeria called Aliko Dangote.
What are your likes and dislikes?
I like and love God, my job, my family, my real friends, playing volleyball, watching movies, reading art related materials, impacting the lives of others with what I do and how I go about it, and I like everything that is good and legal and that I’m comfortable with.
Recently, you celebrated your birthday, what are you grateful for?
Honestly, I’m so grateful for the gift of life that the Lord has offered me since day one and how I have been able to work so hard and confidently with my God-given gift and there is no situation that I’m ever going to face that’s going to make me give up. Never!
What are your aspirations?
My aspiration is to be one of Africa’s influential painters, who is continuously giving back to society
As a celebrity painter, what are the challenges you face?
Some of the challenges I have faced are the value and respect for the job, too much of people asking for free jobs and services, financial challenges especially when I come with huge ideas which are costly in terms of capital, when everyone wants you to satisfy them but then you can’t satisfy everyone, job wise I mean.
What’s the most embarrassing moment of your life?
I don’t really remember one particular embarrassing moment but then… yeaahh… I just remembered. Moments when I’m properly dressed in my fully paint attire and people who see me look at me awkwardly and make me feel like I’m not one of them, but then of late when people act like that I just ignore and laugh about it. And say in my head, “I’m proud to be a Painter”.
When was the last time you visited Nigeria?
Laughs… Funny enough I have never been to Nigeria before but then I’m so eager and desperate to come visit and even do some works, events and probably host my exhibition in Nigeria as well.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are painting, swimming, playing volley ball, listening to music, watching movies and comedy skits from Nigeria especially or sleeping.
What’s your favourite food?
My favorite food is Ghana jollof with soft plaintain and goat meat, eba with bitterleaf soup or ogbono soup, fufu with white soup with goat meat.
How would you describe yourself?
I will describe myself as a calm, reserved young man who loves art with his everything and is hardworking, passionate and committed to thing that he loves doing without complaining. Also, I’m always proud to call myself a PAINTER.
What’s the happiest day of your life?
That’s deciding in 2011 that I want to be a painter by profession. And I will be the most happiest human when my Art would give me the opportunity to network with great artists around the world and especially be allowed to impact more young creatives like me that. Never Give Up. The future is ours.
How do you relax?
Aside painting either I sleep, go for swimming, hangout with my friends or I take myself out on a date.
As a performance painter, what kind of music appeals to you?
In terms of the music that appeals to me is classical music, rap music or afrobeat. But then, currently I think any good music appeals to me.
What is your most treasured fashion item?
My painted trousers
Who is your favorite artiste?
If you talking about music, Wizkid is my favorite Nigerian artiste then for Ghanaian artiste Stoneboy, Sarkodie
What other activities are you involved in aside painting?
My whole life is art and I love involving myself into art related activities but then aside painting, I’m currently teaching Visual Art in a Senior High School in Ghana, Wesley Grammar Senior High School, my alma matar. Also, I usually embark on a recycling project, whereby I use recycled materials to produce art. For instance, in 2015, myself and a couple of artists and students from Aloha Beta Education Centre, built a 50ft Christmas Tree during the season. Also, in 2019 I used discarded car tyres to build a washing sinks and many other projects. I love to engage into acting as well. Initially, I wanted to be an Actor like Pete Edochie from Nigeria.
What is your advice to the youth out there?
Trust God Almighty and Never Give Up!! Just keep doing your best in whatever area you find yourself and just be confident, passionate and committed and I tell your efforts would never be in vain. Also, your attitude today, will determine your altitude tomorrow so just do good, remain positive and avoid bad energy.
