Rustic African Wood Horse Mask from Ghana 'Rustic Horse' Item ID: 2671806471

"I am a quiet person who likes listening to music and I enjoy singing as well. Sometimes I am able to compose songs inspired by events that take place around me.

"I was born on September 9, in Nkawkaw in the Eastern region of Ghana. I am the first-born of six children. I grew up in a family where there was no excess of money, but my parents were able to finance my education until I completed senior high school. I pursued visual art there through the encouragement of my late uncle.

"At a tender age, I already loved to draw and shade with pencils. My uncle saw some of my drawings, and encouraged me to continue and further my education in this field to improve on my skill. He was an abstract painter using the mosaic style of painting to create very interesting pictures. He taught me how to use acrylic paints to depict objects and scenes I admired. I grew up to also realize that my grandfather was a lecturer in painting and sculpture at one of Ghana's leading Universities at Kumasi.

"After completing senior high, I practiced my painting at home. I had friend at church named Daniel Nyadedzor who once paid me a visit at home. He found me busy painting, and he admired my works so much. He suggested I come to work at his elder brother's workshop and apply my skill of painting. I could also earn some income to enable me to further my education. I visited his brother's workshop and was offered the opportunity to work and earn income based on my painting skill.

"Daniel's older brother happened to be Emmanuel Nyadedzor, a Novica-featured artisan. At his workshop, I learned how to design masks using aluminum.

"I have been working with Emmanuel since 2000. I saved my money and started to buy brushes, acrylic paints, mat board, and painting supplies. I also saved toward furthering my education. I used to paint on my off days and sold the paintings to interested individuals.

"Sometimes, I was asked to submit Emmanuel's wood carvings to Novica. On one such visit to Novica, I was carrying a painting I'd made on paper. A staff member asked if I could bring some of my paintings for consideration.

"I seized the opportunity and brought in some of my works. I had used plastic frames but was advised to use wooden frames. I didn't know how I was going to get these frames but — surprisingly enough, right at the office — another Novica artist was called to create frames for the paintings of a new artist and, within a few days, I got my paintings framed nicely.

"When I was called in to look at the final work to be presented for approval, I went like, 'Wow!' The finishing was just too good. This gave me the idea of the kind of items Novica accepts. It needs to be not just done but it must be done very well.

"What I like most about my painting are the color schemes. I have been able to share my knowledge in painting with five people, so far.

"I am glad to mention that, through my savings, I have enrolled in the university to study for a three-year degree in painting. My ability to sustain my education will come from selling my art work.

"I still work for Emmanuel when I am able to come home over the weekends or on vacations. This gives me additional income to see me through my education career.

"My dream is to be able to open an art school to train my people and assist others in improving their skill. I dream of becoming a very renowned artist in future."