Toronto artist Gyimah
We are all artist at 10Leaves and always on the hunt for artist and to bring there talents to the world. About two weeks ago my brother emailed me. Informing me of a new artist blog he came across. As soon as I clicked the link to I was hooked, before I knew I had scrolled through all the archives. I know I sound like a crazed fan but I am a fan of inspirational work and also the fact he is so young talented and driven. Born in Accra, Ghana (West Africa) currently located in Toronto, come get to know Gyimah Litsitso Gariba.
How did you get into art?
I got into art at a pretty young .I was probably 5 or 6 and I remember standing and watching my older brother and sister draw from old X-men comics and make their own comic books. Of course I wasn’t allowed to join in because I was younger but I remember as soon as they left I would take the comics and be left practicing for hours. I’ve been drawing ever since. As soon as my parents and teachers noticed that I was taking art seriously they were more than supportive in every way which was really reassuring. My friends have been incredibly supportive as well. I also have to mention the fact that I used to watch my dad design buildings as a hobby of sorts or sketch while he was on the phone-I feel like because I never used to see “grown-ups” have fun while they drew. Seeing him just doodle random shapes made me feel like it was okay to be an adult and draw for a living(even though that wasn’t his actual job haha)
You were born and raised in Accra Ghana. Did growning up there have any type of influence on your art today and how so?
Totally, growing up in Ghana I feel has had the biggest influence on my art. Ironically; I’m more inspired by my hometown now than when I actually lived there-the sights , the colors, the patterns, the people ,the culture all of it. It’s such an exciting place for anyone to experience that I try my best to bring familiar characters I remember from my childhood or everyday sights from just walking around to people who have never seen it before. Drawing from your own life helps me stay as original as I can be. I also love re-interpreting Ghanaian roadside art in my own style, local small time artists often don’t realize how fun and original the characters they create are.
