Abena Oyiwaa, visual artist based in Ghana

Aug 24, 2021

Tell us about how you got started.

It started as a hobby. Growing up I made sketches for the fun of it so my favorite subjects in school were the ones that incorporate sketches and diagrams like science, pretechnical skills and mathematics. After my college studies I started doing pencil portraits for free. As time went on, I got a lot of encouragement from family and some friends to start taking commissions.

What makes your work unique?

My art is unique in the sense that my paintings are mostly inspired by the emotions of women and children in my society. My art seeks to bring to the attention of the viewer that, there is always more than what is seen in a picture and a need to accept oneself

No business is without setbacks, can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you recovered from it?

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Education, Winneba. As a result, majority of the people around me weren’t in support of my decision to pursue art as a career instead of focusing on my accounting qualifications. I received a lot of discouraging messages, but I was determined to take my hobby to the next level.

How do you define success and to what do you attribute your success?

Anytime you set a goal and achieve even a small part of it, that is success to me. I have not fully achieved my goals, but I am proud to call myself an artist. Looking back at the time where I started as a pencil portraiture artist to currently an artist focusing on oil paintings on canvas gives me so much satisfaction and hope for the future, knowing all this art career started in just 2020.

What's next for your business, what will it look like in 5 years?

I believe in consistency and originality. I hope to see my paintings featured in art galleries around the world, empowering people to accept themselves and focus on their dreams.

What do you think the future holds for Africa-focused entrepreneurs and advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

I believe the future is always bright, but I believe in hard work too. I advice entrepreneurs and artists for that matter to stay consistent with their craft.

Owning a business while balancing a personal life can be challenging; how do you take care of yourself?

Planning. Planning my time helps me take care of myself and my art life.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?  What keeps you going?

“...I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” –Vincent Van Gogh

What is your favorite app or a business tool that you can't live without

Well, the internet plays a major role in my art life. Posting my artworks on the social media helps me reach potential buyers and interactions with other creatives around the world.