Meet Joseph Idowu: Artist & Pyropainter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Idowu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always had flair for drawing since my childhood just like every other Artists’ stories. Creativity found me some how but I did honed this skill by going ahead to study fine and Applied Arts in the University. And as the best graduating student, I got the motivation to Practice Art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Using fire, I create works by burning the surface of boards and etch with knife. A technique called Pyro painting. I intentionally use colours to create the focal point. My subjects are usually silhouette heads and usually children figures. The silhouette head highlight the anatomical proportion of the head relative to the child’s body and also an invitation into that body to imagine and experience the lives of my subjects.

My process of using fire to burn board surface and scratching to transform objects compliment my belief system that we can recreate our lives. That despite the challenges we face, we could make a beauty of it.
“Light at the end of the tunnel” is literally evident in my work process.

I am currently exploring this technique on canvas and I can’t wait to share the works with the public.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

-My studio – I think everyone deserves to see my process of production.

-Polo club and Beech also because I love sight seeing and swimming(I hope beach isn’t dangerous for this though. smiles).

-Adventure is fun.

-Also an orphanage Home or children’s park because I love children and I am fascinated by them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

-My ever encouraging Family, for their amazing love and Support. From My Versatile Dad, Caterer Mum, my elder brother Samson Idowu who is a veteran computer analyst, Deborah Idowu the Pretty singer/vocalist & aspiring baker, Sarah Idowu the amazing Linguist to Peter Idowu the enthusiastic Photographer, the family is no doubt full of creativity.

-My Mentors especially Mr Patrick Akpojotor, Marcellina Akpojotor, Mr Alimi Adewale, Dr Tope Obadare and Rele Arts Foundation for their Mentorship and Motivations.

-My Friend & promising Artist Alade Ifeoluwa, Grace Awe(My Fiancee – an Artist & amazing crafts person), Lanike Textiles whom I so much believe in, Michelle Okpare my adopted Sister(winks), the whole UNICORN STUDIOS Family and other Artist Friends whom lines may not permit me to mention names for their Inspirations and support. Thank You and God bless you.

– “The Angels on the streets” – those Displaced Children who became victims and suffer consequences of wrong decisions of Heartless Adults or parents. God keep them.

Instagram: Joseph_idowu12

Linkedin: Joseph Idowu

Facebook: Joseph O Idowu

Youtube: Joseph O Idowu

Image Credits
Joseph Idowu and Alade Ifeoluwa