Benjamin Sebi Amenortey

"My inspiration is derived from my environment and the continent around me - the nature of Africa. I paint mainly with oil and acrylic on canvas, using both brush and palette knife. My style of painting ranges from realistic to semi-abstract and my work is characterized by bright and bold colors. Most of my paintings are landscapes, seascapes, market scenes and figure paintings. The themes of my works are directly linked with the culture of Africans and the events that take place in our everyday life, for example the way women carry children on their backs and heavy loads on their heads. I depict the behavior of African children in the community as well. <br><br> "I am a member of GAVA (Ghana Association of Visual Artists) and two children are undergoing training with me. One of my greatest achievements is the 6th prize awarded to me by GAVA in the art competition on the theme 'Road Safety' sponsored by Ghana Shell Oil Company; about 65 artists participated nationwide. <br><br> "I am the third born of Mr. Sebi Tetteh Samuel and Mrs. Korkor Asem; we are nine in the family - three boys and four girls. I like painting very much because the more I paint, the more I perfect my art. <br><br> "I have not exhibited before, but people come for my paintings and place them in their galleries and also take them to exhibitions."