Arts Can Have positive impact On Mental health –Pencil Artist

Meet Imo State born Pencil Artist, Paul Prosper who recently chatted The Eagle Esther Pushe about his work and more

Can we meet you?

My name is Paul Prosper, a Hyper-realistic Pencil Artist .I am a native of Imo State, Nigeria, born and raised by both parents in Abia State, Nigeria.

A graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), with a B.Tech. in Forestry and Wildlife Technology. I started drawing as a hobby in the year 2020, now a full time profession and a hobby as well.

What Is A Typical Day In The Life Of An Artist Like?

Well, I don’t always have a particular way to spend my day. I can work anytime so far I’m inspired. Except it’s a commissioned piece with maybe a close deadline, I can set my work hours and make sure I stay punctual to it. Drawing needs some kind of strength, discipline and inspiration.

Most times, I start drawing immediately I get off my bed. From early hours of the morning, I can draw for like 4 to 5 hours before taking a break, then come back to the piece, continue working till sunset. I draw at night too.

Therefore, the way I spend my day is determined by how I feel that day, what inspires me and the piece I’m creating.

As a Pencil Artist, How Do You Cultivate Your Audience?

As a growing Artist, I try as much as I can to be different with my craft. Despite getting inspired even from my fellow Artists, I stand out from the rest.

I’ve come to understand that people get tired easily, seeing the same thing over and over.

I’m currently working on my first project. This project will be categorised both in single pieces and series, inspired by nature, love, human life experiences, being a Nigerian and African in general.

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How Do You Promote Your Work?

There are ways to promote art, ways like going for Art Exhibitions with Art Galleries, networking and forming partnership with Art Collectors.

Also, in promoting my Art, I try to gift my friends and people who I look up to.

The Internet and social media have also been powerful tools I use in promoting my Artworks. Instagram, Facebook, X and even Tiktok has made it easy for every artist in promoting their works.

Describe Your Time Management System As An Artist?

As sequel to what I said above, I’ve been disciplined to start creating at early hours of the day, working up 4 to 5 hours with my personal timer, sometimes 6 hours before taking a break.

It doesn’t mean I stay up drawing for straight 4-6 hours, there are also some short breaks in-between like checking my phone, looking out my window, visiting the white house etc.

It’s also certain and very important that I observe my main break which includes, eating my meal, taking a walk or a nap or doing something entirely different.

At night, I don’t spend much time drawing. I can draw for as much as 3-5 hours.

Then, there are other days I don’t draw, I may decide to relax, see movies, read the news, or do something entirely different from Art.

How Do You Know If You Lack Work-Life Balance As An Artist?

Well, Art is very well connected to life. They are more or less the same thing.

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My work as an Artist doesn’t affect my normal life, so I don’t think I lack work-life balance as an Artist.

Where Are You From And How Does That Affect Your Work?

I’m from Imo State, Nigeria.

Despite Nigeria being endowed with arts and culture, mind blowing crafts and artifacts, respected and very talented Artists (Nigerian Artists are recognised across the globe), generally, it is still presumed that Art has little or no regard in the country. Our Artists are not recognized in their own place.

Although, we’re getting better, Art is gradually making moves in the country.

Despite this, I don’t let it affect my work adversely. I already have my target audience and always look for strategies to promote my art. I also advise my fellow Artists to do so.

Where I am from or located doesn’t really affect my work.

Who Are Your Biggest Artistic Influences?

I have quite a lot of great people whose artistic lives has influenced me. It’s somehow funny that most of them don’t even know me but what they do drives me in my art journey and I’ve always learnt a lot from them. They include; Nuel Geoffrey,

i will always mention him first because he gave me my background as an Artist. Rowland Anyanwu is a great Pencil Artist and good friend of mine. Sixtus Artz, my guy, Felix Ndukwe very exceptional with his craft. Kelvin Okafor , I will always refer Kelvin as god of pencil. One of my biggest influences. Arinze Stanley is another pencil god. Fatola Israel is an exceptional Artist. I could go on and on.

These guys are my biggest influences. I follow them closely and they inspire me a whole lot.

Tell Me About Your Favorite Medium?

My favorite medium has to be charcoal pencils and graphite pencils. I like drawing with ballpoint pens too.Yet to try out other mediums, but I love my pencils.

Where do you find inspiration as a pencil artist?

I get inspirations from life experiences, history, current affairs and some popular Nigerian experiences. I also find inspiration from random places, nature, movies, sports, my fellow Artists.

What is your favorite time of the day to create?

Early hours of the day when my head is still cool and not yet filled with activities of the day.I also love creating during evening hours in a serene environment.

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Describe How Art Is Important To The Society?

There are so many ways that art can impact society. Let’s start with education. Art can be used to teach people about history, culture, and social issues. By studying art, people can learn about different periods of time and places around the world. They can also learn about the perspectives and experiences of people from different backgrounds. Art can also be used to communicate complex ideas in a way that’s more accessible than just reading or listening to a lecture.

Let’s Talk About The Impact Of Art On Mental Health.

Studies have shown that looking at an artwork  and being creative can have positive effects on people’s mental health. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-esteem. Art can also be a form of therapy, helping people work through difficult emotions and experiences. In addition, art can foster a sense of community, bringing people together to share their creativity and connect with others.

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Furthermore, Art is important is in terms of communication. It can be used to share important messages with the world, from raising awareness about social issues to promoting peace and understanding. Art can transcend language barriers, helping people connect even if they don’t share a common tongue. It’s also a powerful form of self-expression, allowing people to tell their stories and share their experiences.

Another way art is important is through its role in public spaces. Public art can transform a space, making it more beautiful, engaging, and memorable. It can also foster a sense of pride and connection to a place. And it can be used to commemorate historical events or people, passing on stories and memories to future generations.

What Motivates You To Create?

I believe my art has the power to inspire, uplift and transform. It’s a medium I can use to share my vision and express my ideas.

The urge to create something beautiful, to tell stories – stories that communicate.

It’s also a way to make a living.