The barriers I overcame to become an artist

Salmah Hamisi, Mombasa-based Artist. [Photo: Courtesy]

I started drawing when I was 12 years after I was encouraged to do so by my teacher and my parents.  After high school, I studied for a diploma course in fine art and design at the Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts.

As a hobby, drawing allows me to express my view of the world and as a business, it earns me some money. Because I have formal training, I can price my art by size and complexity of the subject matter.

 I sell 4 by 3 ft. piece for Sh7,000 and 1.5 ft by 1.5ft for Sh2,000. I don’t draw people or animals because it is against the Islam faith which I subscribe to. My clients usually tell me landscape art make better gifts than portraits as they appeal to more people.

While the art market is less developed in Kenya, it’s even harder for female artists to sell their stuff or participate in art exhibitions. However, I don’t just wait for other people to give me work. I create my own art and I can’t count the number of times that people have bought my personal paintings that I had no intention of selling.

Also, it takes time to perfect one’s skills but once you know what you want to achieve with your talent, the process is easier. I draw every day to improve my skills. Art is 95 per cent skill and 5 per cent talent. Anyone can be an artist if they have the interest and are ready to give it all. In 5 years’ time, I intend to create a platform for the girl child to display their art skills and earn some money.  

I intend to create a platform for girls to display their art skills and earn some money.