I chose art for GCSE because I thought it was an easy option but I really enjoyed it and got a C. I made the mistake of choosing to study business in college, which I didn’t enjoy much, so instead I went to Harris Academy and took up art again. I was surprised to get a distinction that year and, as I become better at art I enjoy it more.
When I am at home, bored or lonely I paint, because when I paint I’m in my own little world and when I start I can’t stop. It takes a lot of time – you have to pay attention to all the detail – but I enjoy that. I don’t paint to impress anyone, I paint to paint.
When people see my paintings, and say that it looks nice, I just see the mistakes everywhere. I think, ‘I shouldn’t have put that there’, or, ‘I shouldn’t have used that colour,’ but I like to reflect on where I’ve gone wrong so that I can improve. When people look at my artwork I want them to get the message I’m trying to say in the picture.
This piece is a self-portrait. When I went to London I was inspired by all the colours at the Notting Hill Carnival. I’ve got a bit of time of my hands, so I thought I’d have a go at painting myself. I like using acrylic paints as they blend easier.
I would say that my background definitely influences my style of art. I came here from Uganda when I was twelve years old. When I think of Africa it represents bright colours, sunshine and happiness. I haven’t been there for over ten years but I still remember the heat and the sun.
I have lived half of my life in Africa and the rest here in England. The two halves are very different in terms of lifestyle and, of course, the weather. I remember when I arrived I was surprised to find that teachers don’t beat students, because they did in Uganda.
I use bright colours in my painting and that’s definitely influenced by my experiences in Africa. I’m not scared to use bold colours.
Some people are clever but don’t focus enough on what they want. My advice for other young people is, if you have a talent, just go for it. It’s very easy to not do what you want to do. I realise now that when I was at school I was a bit naughty and didn’t concentrate, but when I got older I realised how serious you have to be if you want something.
You have to work to get grades in GCSEs because without them it’s going to be difficult. Times at the moment are difficult. Education is important because it’s very competitive out there. If you’re good at swimming, sports...anything, just go for it because there will always be someone behind you who’s better than you. Be two steps ahead of the competition because there’s always someone on your back.
About this story
This story was produced by Furaha Muzamil, 22.
