Art, // August 7, 2023
Mary Ene Dominion – ARTIST
Mary Ene Dominion
Interview with the artist Mary Ene Dominion –
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name’s Mary Ene Dominion am a sculptor artist whose base is in Otukpo Benue state Nigeria. Am a graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2014 with a BFA. Through my art practice, I use wood as one of her mediums for working. I have a passion for carving wood. I make traditional African masks using modern abstract designs and cubism as my style. I also make functional items like wooden bowls, plates cups, etc. I am also a wife and a mother of four kids, and I am a native of Otukpa district in Ogbadigbo local government area of Benue state Nigeria. I am currently a teacher at Benue state polytechnic Ugbokolo where I teach sculpture and speak on the role of art in the lives of humans.
2. Why Art?
I studied art because I am skilled and gifted I have a passion for it I love to explore and create something priceless something that makes one feel different, forgetting limits and boundaries letting your imagination flow exploring and expressing your emotions through any medium/media it’s pouring out your heart and soul into every piece that you do regardless of any recognitions that one may receive. Art encourages self-expression and creativity it also helps me build confidence as well as a sense of individual identity. It encourages open-mindedness critical thinking and authenticity as an individual in that area of one’s specialty.
3. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)?
My favorite subjects are the exploration of indigenous material. My favorite medium is hardwood, light sheet metal, and fabrics.
4. Who are your favorite artists?
Prof. El Anatsui
Dr. Eva Obodo
Dr. Onuora Chilioke
Diseye Tantua
Djakoukassi
Rue Du Kongo
5. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
The best response I have gotten is from viewers and friends their recommendations, words of encouragement, and wishing me greater heights.
7. What advice would you give to other artists?
I will say as an artist you must maintain quality and stability you must have a level of standard towards your works. You must also keep practicing and keep developing yourself competence promotes you as long as you remain valuable people will look for you. Competence and excellence are key.
8. What’s my earliest memory of wanting to be an artist
Hmmm, I was reserved, I love to be alone so most time I stay indoors to draw packs of biscuits, and packs of detergent I will draw and paint them just exactly as the original one my dad was so proud of me he kept encouraging me.
9. How do you work and approach your subject?
While I was single I go meet my clients visit galleries and travel around with no restrictions but since I got married the kids started coming is not easy moving around so I do my work in my studio at home and engage my clients online through different platforms. I am on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and lastly I am on LinkedIn where I met Charles Andrews, the editor of Arts Illustrated.
10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Wow! Proverbs 22v 29 says seeth thou a man diligent in his business he shall stand before Kings he shall not stand before mere men. I will keep developing myself I will be committed to maintaining competence and Excellence and I believe I will stand before Kings. Thank you, Charles Andrews, I am most grateful and honored for this privilege.
Mary Ene Dominion
LINKS —
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryene5555
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryenedominion/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryabutu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryene-dominion-1ab605128/