Can you tell us about your background and how it has shaped your artistic journey?
My name is Elfour El, a name that has become more famous than my given name. I was born in Mathare North Area 3, Nairobi, and spent the majority of my early education there until the age of 14. The artistic journey, I assume, has been ingrained in me since time immemorial, as I can’t distinctly recall when it all began. The act of drawing has been a constant in my life, starting from the moment I learned how to grip a pen.
When did your passion for art begin, and what motivated you to pursue it further?
My passion for art began before I consciously realized it; it was something I used to enjoy because my dad used to draw, and I was always fascinated by his ability to create images. I learned the art through imitation and basic guidance from my dad. Although art had always been a hobby, it transformed into a full-fledged commitment on January 10, 2022, when I decided to pursue it as a full-time career.
What messages or themes do you aim to convey through your artwork?
The main message that I aim to convey through art is the power of repetition and consistency. I look up to people in different fields and the common thing with them is how they achieved mastery through repetition and consistency.
Are there any specific local or global art trends that have caught your attention recently?
Recently I’ve been so attracted to art that aims to conserve the environment by using waste plastics to make art. This is because living in the coast has shown me how the little things we do adversely affect marine life and for this reason, the little things we do to conserve the marine environment positively affects the marine environment and life at large.
Do you have a preferred time of day for creating art, and if so, why does it resonate with you?
Most of my creative time revolves around 4 to 9am. I love making art between these times because that’s the moment I’m fresh and less destructed. During the day I prefer making art outdoors, either out in nature or in the streets. As long as it’s not indoors unless I’m commissioned to work on a project that must be done indoors.
What aspects of being a professional artist do you find most rewarding and enjoyable?
The part of my profession that I find most rewarding is portraiture. Drawing people’s faces is easy and less stressful when trying to make a living from art because people pay you on request rather than having many artworks from imagination that are less likely to be sold immediately. I make art from imagination as well.
In what ways can the community support and encourage your career growth as a local artist?
I have more to give to the community than to ask from it. I feel like no matter what I do, the community has always supported and it’s my role to give back. I give back by offering vocational training to people who are interested in making art but think that they don’t have what it takes to create.
If you could embark on your dream project, what would it be, and why does it hold significance to you?
I am living my dream already. Before today, being a full time artist almost seemed impossible since no one in my family has ever been a full time artist. All I’m hoping for is growth and I’m seeing it happen constantly day by day.
Could you share a memorable artwork or project you’ve created and explain its significance to you?
I have two memorable projects that influenced my way of thinking and art as a career.
The first project was in the last quarter of 2022 when I helped Sauti Sol create social media campaigns for their event(Sol Fest) which was remarkably successful. Their love for my services earned me an opportunity with Sol Kids and that’s how I got attracted to events.
The second project was Duos Festival, an exchange programme between Polish and Kenyan artists aimed at marine conservation that took place in the beginning of 2023. This is when I got inspired to make art using waste materials as a measure of conserving the environment.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your artistic journey, and what advice would you offer to aspiring artists?
- Opportunity: Grab it.
- People: Learn from them.
- Your skill: Keep improving it.
How do you determine when a piece of artwork is finished? Are there any specific indicators or feelings you look for?
I don’t complete my artworks, I simply stop. Determining whether I’m done or not really depends on validation. I stop when a client is satisfied.
How do you manage your time between your art practice, other commitments (such as part-time jobs or family), and administrative tasks?
As an artist, I have enough time to work on my stuff and still maintain relationships. The road is quite smooth. My whole life is a vocation(I don’t know if it’s the same for all artists)
Can you describe a typical workday in your life as an artist?
A typical work day for me starts with four hours of focusing on art (Either commissioned or personal) Two hours improving my guitar and music skills. The rest of the day depends on where I’m needed to be.
Where can people find prints of your paintings or connect with you to learn more about your work?
It’s really easy to connect with me via instagram. I also have facebook and tiktok accounts.
They all go by the name @elfour_el_africa. From there you can access most of my products and services
