Joseph A. Quaye

"I am a talented, creative, persevering and God-fearing person. My art is painting. <br><br>"I was inspired to paint when I kept hearing people saying I was good at drawing. I first learned sign writing on billboards and t-shirt printing, and three years later I enrolled in an art college where I developed my talent and creativity. <br><br>"I used the skills I had acquired in t-shirt printing and billboard writing to procure an income while I was in college. I had to research and attend many art exhibitions to learn the latest trends, techniques and styles developed by other artists for their work, and this in turn encouraged me to keep on painting for pleasure. <br><br>"My most difficult moment came when I didn't sell anything during my first exhibition. My family thought my talent wasn't dependable, and that it was a waste of time. Some galleries told me, my compositions were too big for them to exhibit, and that they would call me when they got a bigger space, which they never did. <br><br>"Although discouraging, I did not let that get me down. I got employed as a creative arts teacher at a school in Accra, were I impart my knowledge to several students. It is really a wonderful experience to impact a life. <br><br>"I have been painting since 2008 and I specialize in acrylics on cotton canvas. My inspiration comes from nature, music, pictures and activities around me. The uniqueness of my type of work is my favorite part. <br><br>"My hopes, plans and dreams for the future are to be among the best artists in the world. I also hope to build an art school to promote talented and gifted people who need help and support."