Let us know a bit more about you?
I am Agozie Valentine Onwukwe, I’m a lawyer and a fine artist, who hails from Oji-River LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria. I went to Enugu State University of Science and Technology ESUT for my law degree, and after graduation, I attended my Bar part II program at Nigerian Law School Lagos. I stayed back in Lagos ever since then, and today I am a practicing/ corporate lawyer. I would say I have a robust work/life balance, and I love drawing, hiking, long walks, playing video games and reading interesting books and stories.
How and when did you discover your interest in art?
I discovered my interest in art at a very young age. I started making stick drawings for as long as I can remember. I think I started drawing at age 6 or 7 years old. I watched cartoons a lot as a kid and one day I picked my pencil and tried recreating the illustrations I saw on TV.
How would you describe your passion for arts?
My passion for art is a fire that would continue to burn until the end of my end of days. I have immense passion for art and as a kid, I was more artistic than most of my art teachers. So because I have most of the rudiments of arts at my finger tips, I decided to study a secondary option, I went with law, mostly because art in Nigeria would not pay me as much as I want it to. I needed to have another source of income, so as to provide for my family, that’s why I went for Law.
How are you able to combine the two?
Honestly, it’s not an easy task. A wise man once said, “we make time for the things we love the most”. No matter how busy I might be, I make out time for my drawings. Especially the strangers I draw in the bus and all across Lagos. I simply plan myself and make my timing balanced for both professions. It’s all about proper planning
Describe your first experience, drawing inside BRT?
Oh wow! My first experience drawing on the BRT bus in Lagos was hellish. The bus kept on shaking/ rocking me like an angered tide. I made lots of mistake and all eyes were on me when I was handing the drawing over to the stranger, but I didn’t give up because I know that things always gets better with time.
How has it transited since then?
Well now it is not so much of a challenge for me, as I have mastered drawing in a shaking bus. The key is consistency, once you’re consistent, your body and mind masters such conditions and adapt, you see yourself getting better with each step.
What would be the value of these arts, if they were to be sold?
If the art I draw were to be sold, it would go for thousands of Naira, I would say not less than 20k each Why do you it for free?
Have you been on a Lagos BRT bus before? All the passengers are gloomy and sad, due to the stress of Lagos, we are barely happy here at the grass roots. So I thought to myself, how can I make at least one person smile twice a week?? Then the drawing idea came to me, there is this undiluted joy that rushes through your veins when someone gives you a gift that brightens your entire day. And you know you might not be able to afford it, if you were asked to pay for it and yet it is free. I do it for free because of the joy it brings.
What is the future of the art industry in Nigeria?
Honestly, art is barely appreciated in Nigeria. Artists are grossly underpaid in this country because art is not valued at all here. It makes me wish I was somewhere, where our artistry is appreciated better. In short, art is dying off in Nigeria.
What are your plans for your art career?
My next plan is to open an art gallery in Lagos Nigeria, particularly in the island where it would be appreciated and sold at a better price. I just want the world to see my works but sadly, I currently lack the finances. But I know that the God who gave me this talent will also provide me with the finances to pursue my dreams, amen.
