Every now and then I love to discover new things, people, places or just something pretty exciting to share. On this chilled Sunday evening, breezing through blogs on my blackberry, I came across something or shall I say someone rather interesting. Even more interesting was the fact that I had heard about this young, spirited talent a while ago but only just got the chance to experience her form of art. My fascination grew as I learnt more about her blend of art and entrepreneurship, a mix I’m also passionate about.

Amazing to say the least, Modé is an artist of African descent who passionately communicates salient themes like love, beauty and heartbreak through her work which brings her imagination to life and shows wisdom well above her years. A self-labelled ‘dreamer’, she loves to create a space for her ideas to grow in a world that is greatly dominated by ‘me-too’ brands. She is far from a conformist and determined to accomplish something that pushes the world even if its’ only an inch.

I e-caught up (cheers to technology) with her to shed more light on her work. Here’s what she said:

1. Who is Mode?

Funny, someone recently asked me this. Well I like to think of myself as a dreamer. I don’t like reality so as an escape I tend think a lot therefore being in my own world. Which is a dream of some sort.

2. Tell us a bit about your background?

Born in Lagos, Nigeria. Schooled in Lagos for 11 years. 2 boarding schools, 2 different countries for 7 years, university in California studying animation for 6 years.

3. How long have you been drawing/sketching?

I’ve always been drawing but I took it seriously only 5-6 years ago.

4. Tell us about your style as an artist?

I would like to say my style is an impression of reality. I don’t tend to copy reality directly. I like to put my own twist to it.

5. I love the idea of art product skins. What inspired it?

Thank you! I got the idea from the Internet. I love the fact that my art can be a part of your everyday life. Working on your laptop my art is with you, sending a text my art is with you. I feel it’s more intimate than hanging it on a wall.

6. Is it limited to the Apple brand? Blackberry? (Hint).

The limitation is only in the Laptops. There are Blackberry skins available as well. Hopefully I’ll get to expand as the demand grows.

7. Where is it sold?

At the moment I sell my products at

Terra Kulture

which is at

Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street,

Lagos, Nigeria

Also if you contact me directly via email I’m able to ship it to you.

8. What do you love most about your gift?

I don’t consider my skill as a gift. It’s hard work and discipline. I wasn’t born with it. What I love most about it is that I get to inspire people. It’s an amazing feeling. My friends tend to think you get used to the feeling every time someone says “I love your art” or “Your art inspired me to start painting” but it never gets old. I love it.

9. What else do you love apart from art?

Films. I love films. And books. Books are incredible.

10. What inspires you?

Photographs, films, books, philosophical ideas, music, different cultures, traveling, quotes, art so many things.

11. Who is your favourite artist?

Frida Kahlo. I love her as a person and her art expresses that completely. I think that’s what all artists try to achieve. Favourite living artist is Charmaine Olivia.

12. If you had to brand a city ‘The city of art’ which would it be?

I haven’t been to a lot of countries to have a valid answer but so far, San Francisco would be ‘The city of art’.

13. How would you define African art?

Beautiful but monotonous. It lacks evolution and growth. Everyone is doing the same thing except some rare exceptions like Toyin Odutola and Karo Akpokiere.

14. Do you consider yourself an African artist?

Of course I do. What else would I be?

15. Have you been part of any exhibition? Do you plan to have one soon?

Yes I have. They’ve been pretty small but the experiences have been great. Hopefully I’ll have one next year.

16. Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

I have a hard time telling people what I’m going to do or what I tend to accomplish. I’m much of a show don’t tell kind of person. So we’ll see what happens in a few years.

17. Share something exciting that not many people know about you…

I love food. My favourite kind is Nigerian. I’ll eat anything amala, egusi, jollof rice, pounded yam you name it.

18. Fast forward to the future, what would you want your legacy to be?

That’s a big question. I’m not sure what my exact legacy would be but if I accomplish something that pushes the world even only an inch forward then I will die happy.

To find out more about her art, visit:
http://www.facebook.com/Studioofmode
http://modechronicles.blogspot.com/