The Isaac Series
TopNaija Stories: Silas Onoja, Visual Artist
Silas Onoja is a Nigerian contemporary artist born in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. He grew up as a kid who loves drawing with so much passion for art. He studied fine art at the Benue State Polytechnic, Benue, Nigeria.
He majors in painting and specifically more interested in realistic paintings. He likes creating realistic and lifelike paintings that attract emotions and draw attention.
He ventured into paint properly in 2016 and has created so many paintings since then. He has some of his paintings around the world. He has participated in joint exhibitions and also solo exhibition. He uses his art as a medium of self-expression and a way of driving messages.
Started drawing as a child, I grew up with the passion to draw and make myself happy. I usually draw in my notebooks, walls and every surface I can lay my hand on. As I grew the passion grew too, in 2012 after my secondary school education, I started looking for a place where I can learn and improve myself while I wait for admission. In 2014, I was admitted to study Fine Art at the Benue State Polytechnic. There I learned a lot about art in general. So after there, I decided to dedicate myself to painting, since it’s the one I love very much. In 2016, I started practicing with oil colors. It was difficult for me at first, but I didn’t give up. And that’s how I kept improving to date.
What time do wake up, and what time do you like to be at your desk?
I usually wake up at 6 am and do like to be in my studio by 9 am
How do you keep track of what you have to do, on a daily?
Sometimes I put them in my diary or I set a reminder on my phone.
Tell us about one of the toughest situations you’ve found yourself in business?
Well, it was a complex portrait given to me by a client, the painting lasted me almost 2months trying to get it right because the picture given to me was bad. That’s the longest I’ve ever stayed on a particular piece
What is the best business or career advice you’ve ever received?
Patience, persistence, and consistency is the key to success.
What conventional life or business advice do you disagree with?
I disagree with the fact some people say ‘work smart not hard’.For me, it should be work both hard and smart.
TopNaija Stories: Silas Onoja, Visual Artist
If you had to start all over again, what would you do differently?
If I have to start over again, I’d make sure every single day of my growing up is to practice drawing. I’d make sure I don’t give up like I did some years back
Tell us about your current role and key traits required to succeed in this role.
My current role is an Artist, and to be an Artist you have to be patient, you have to be consistent and above all, be humble.
Tell us about a task do you dislike but still do and a problem you’re still trying to solve?
Don’t really think there’s any.
Who has had the greatest impact on your career, and why?
My dad, though his late now, but his advice and teachings have helped shaped me. Though the advice is not art related, they’re are about some basic principles of life.
What business achievement are you most proud of?
Having my Artworks in some countries in Europe, America, and Africa
Tell us about your greatest weakness as an individual.
Don’t know of any.
Name two untapped lucrative business opportunities in the world, right now.
First of all, is Art, artworks now are some kind of investment, judging by the rate at which some art pieces are been auctioned at an expensive rate.
Secondly, Agriculture, it’s a sector that has been overlooked in this part of our world. There’s so much money in agricultural export.
