Handmade Mother and Child Silk Wall Art from Ghana 'African Identity' Item ID: 2671805589

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“I discovered my talent in art at an early age. My dad was a kente weaver at the time, so I used to play with the unwanted threads that were not needed for making the cloth. Through this, I developed the interest of using thread to create designs of my own. After some years I came to Ghana and started school at Ghanatta College of Art and Design located in Ridge-Accra. There I majored in painting and decoration. During my days in college, I was awarded the best student in thread work. I recently graduated from the University of Education with a degree in Graphic Design. Most often people can point out my works without my signature on them because of my unique style.

“I derive inspiration from nature and the cultural heritage of all tribes in Ghana. I have trained many people who come to me to learn about art. My dream for the future is to build a university that will train artisans around the world in art.

“I am now married with children. I am currently the vice chairman of the master print foundation in Ghana where we train street children to have a skill of their own. Apart from creating art, I also work with the national security of Ghana as a bodyguard. The most inspiring Ghanaian proverb that I like most goes Se ene ye wo deaa okyina ennye wodeaa, meaning ‘today might be yours, but not tomorrow’. Art is life, and I am proud to be called an artist.” Original Artist Story

"My name is Randy Abeka Abbam (RAA), popularly known as 'Spider.' I was born on March 6, 1985 in eastern Ghana, but I started my basic education in Nigeria, where I discovered my talent in art at an early age. I was later brought back to Ghana in 1993. I'm currently a second-year student majoring in art and design.

"As a young artist, I do not limit myself to my medium, but always experiment with the local tools and materials that I find in my environment. I produce works that range from abstracts to semi-abstracts and sometimes realism. During my first year in art school, I realized that thread on board is very unique. This medium has now dominated most of my works. I take my inspiration from God and nature, and also from the cultural heritage of my people.

My exhibitions so far have been at school where I was nicknamed 'Spider,' the king of webs. I have sold many works to local galleries, companies and individuals. One of my innermost dreams is to hold exhibitions of my own both at home and abroad. I have passion for art and I'm proud to be an artist."