EBENEZER CHRISTIAN / SCULPTOR & EDUCATOR

What made you choose this career?  

Choosing to be an artist was inspired by my early childhood experiences with LEGO assemblage and clay modelling, shaped by the environment I grew up in. It began as a hobby, and I felt a deep sense of accomplishment whenever I created a piece. It has always been my dream to turn my hobby into my profession, and choosing this field has been one of the best decisions of my life.

As an art educator and artist, seeing the outcome of my labour gives me joy beyond monetary gain. I give special acknowledgement to my late father, Mr. Francis Christian, for understanding my interests and supporting me throughout my education. Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” I appreciate my father’s efforts in helping me achieve my dream of pursuing a career in the arts.

Ambiguity of Mask

Did you go through formal education? If so, what did you study and where? If not, please explain your journey.  

My primary school teachers and colleagues always saw me as an artist, so they are not surprised to see me become one. My art education began with a four‑year secondary education in Visual Art at the University Practice Secondary School, and continued with a BFA in Sculpture and an MPhil in Art Education (Sculpture) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Claiming Territories 

Did this have a positive or negative impact on your chosen career?  

Yes, education has had a positive impact on me. It exposed me to many disciplines within the art field, enabling me to choose, develop, and refine my talent. Before my art education, I was in limbo regarding my career path, even though I had the talent. My education anchored me on solid ground as an artist.

Who inspires you? 

My inspirations have usually been intrinsic; however, my father, who was a professional painter and decorator, has been a great source of inspiration in my art career. I am also inspired by seeing student‑artists achieve their educational and professional goals through my theoretical and practical guidance.

What’s the scariest thing about your job, and how have you overcome it?  

The scariest aspect of my job is taking precautions for granted and later experiencing side effects from ignoring the strict use of personal protective equipment. I am very cautious about hazardous materials and risky techniques in practice. I have even dedicated a series of works titled “Taming Fear”, which interrogates risk in labour and how we equip ourselves to confront it. This fear is overcome by strictly adhering to health and safety regulations.

I have also been afraid to teach a student who was forced into a programme they have no interest in. I often advise parents, guardians, and teachers not to impose programmes on their wards or students.

Counter Fear

What do you want to change about your industry? 

I believe shaping one’s life to become a successful artist usually starts with education. However, I recommend that no one be forced to pursue an art programme they have no interest in. I also recommend that the government provide funding to schools and colleges offering art programmes to make art education more affordable and accessible.

It saddens me to see creative individuals struggle financially, so I advise fellow artists to consider additional disciplines within the arts that can sustain them financially alongside their main practice.

What advice would you give someone starting out in your field?  

The artist’s career path has its own turbulences, so find a hobby within the art discipline and turn it into a profession. Train yourself in a multidisciplinary field, choose one discipline you love and another that offers financial sustainability.

Taming Fear VIII