Multidisciplinary artist, Mrs. Chidera Confidence Uzoma, known popularly as Dera Soars, is an advocate of the therapeutic prospects of art for women and children through her. Through her De Art and Craft Therapy Initiative and her fusion of Cubism and African motifs that explore life, culture and womanhood, this young artist encourages women to break stereotypes in their profession. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she shares her journey and more.
Being a woman
Being a woman means embracing strength, resilience, vulnerability, and beauty. It means being brave, creative, and determined, while loving and accepting ourselves, flaws and all. It means being unapologetically you, authentic, individual, and human.
My background impacted the woman I became
Growing up for me was challenging, as a first daughter in a family of four children, everyone is looking up to you to see what you’ll become. Societal pressures, religious expectations, academic expectations were like juice extractors that eventually brought out the best in me. I was the first person from my father’s family to enter the university. I had a wonderful family who loved me and had my back in my darkest times. Today, I’ve become a woman of purpose striving for a cause which is to renew, restore and revive talents and gifts, especially in the art sector through my initiative and gallery.
I also owe it all to my strong religious background. At the age of 12, I began a new life in Christ. Christ gave me a sense of purpose, focus and direction. It never promised a perfect bliss but a reassuring hope of eternity. I made a decision to protect my innocence till marriage and I did. I had just a friend in my secondary school days; and was also a Scripture Union (SU) president for five years. In the university, I joined Choir and served as a music director in the Deeper Life campus fellowship. My life became a triangular kind of life: from home to church to school to church/home – but in a good way. This helped me stay focused and productive. By my NYSC days, I had begun making folk-style jewelry as a business, promoting our African beads. I also tutored children and my fellow corp members on art and craft. I later attended leadership training programmes and voluntary activities and the rest is history.
Encouraging more women to embrace art
There are so many ways to encourage more women to embrace art. Providing art education and training opportunities, creating a supportive community for women artists, promoting women artists and their works, making art more accessible and inclusive and challenging stereotypes and biases in the art world, is sure to help more women embrace art as a career and as enthusiasts. This is where De Art and Craft Therapy Initiative comes in. We organise art workshops, training for people who are interested in honing their skills and Dera Soars Art Gallery provides a virtual experience of showcasing your works globally and ensuring unlimited possibilities. By taking these steps, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women.
My art
As an artist, I love painting, drawing and graphic designs. My diverse artistic portfolio spans from life sketch, abstract paintings, graphic design, illustrations, and coaching. I draw my inspirations from everyday life experiences and I try to create a body of work that inspires people from these experiences. My recent body of work is a composition of 15 portrait drawings on the theme: “Expression”, which illustrates my experience in Adamawa State, Yola, exploring a medium of charcoal, prints and coloured papers. It was so much fun capturing those African beautiful facial gestures that speak of hope, resilience, blushing beauty, joy, caution, unexpected and so on.
My journey as an artistic brand
DERA SOARS was a divine name given to me by revelation in 2015 when I decided to study art after trying O’ level exams for seven times in five years. It became a brand name in 2021 when the vision became clear and was registered as a virtual art gallery with Corporate Affairs Commission. It gave birth to an initiative called De Art and Craft Therapy Initiative that same year, which was registered. While Chidera Confidence Uzoma still remains my name, Dera Soars, my brand identity.
My secret as an artist
My secret as an artist is consistency. The talent and the wisdom belong to God Almighty. When I decided to switch from science to art, I promised myself that I was going to be the best in what I do. I tried every medium I came across; I had mentors from Awka, Lagos and Abuja. Learning art was what took me to Lagos and Abuja for the first time. In Lagos I spent three months at universal studios, finishing almost 200 sketch papers in practice. At Abuja, I focused on painting under the tutelage of Mr Mark and Mr Eruada introduced to me by a celebrated woman artist and mentor, Dr. Ngozi Akande.
Art as lucrative venture
Art can indeed be lucrative. It can be bequeathed as an asset: used for estate planning purposes; included in a will or trust, i.e. it can be passed down through generations as a form of inheritance. And they can be used to pay estate taxes or to benefit charitable organsations. However, it’s worth noting that art is a unique asset class that requires special consideration.
My passion for children
My passion for children cannot be overemphasised. It’s my longing and desire to start with the children. Every child, as I always say “is creative, you just need to tap the wine and watch it flow”. I have worked with children for the past four years. I started at American University of Nigeria (AUN) Early Learning Centre and Rehoboth School Summer camp where I taught the kids paper craft, mosaic art and collage 2021. Since 2022 till date my team and I have partnered with splendid events to organise face painting and art workshops for kids every Children’s Day. As an organisation, we have our Art and Craft Coaches in several schools in Imo State. The journey so far has been an interesting one as we meet different children with different abilities and by God’s grace we have been able to groom over 100 kids.
Why art for children
Art has numerous educational benefits for children. Engaging in art activities helps children develop their observation and analytical skills. Also, engaging in art activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting, helps children develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Parents and educators can embrace these benefits by providing opportunities for art; collaborate with other artists and educators to provide children with a diverse range of art experiences. Integrating art into other subjects would help children develop a deeper understanding of those subjects.
Things aspiring women artist must know
Before embarking on their art journey, aspiring women artists need to develop a strong online presence by having a professional website and social media profiles is crucial for showcasing your work, connecting with potential buyers, and staying visible in the art world. They would need to surround themselves with fellow artists, mentors, and peers who can offer encouragement, feedback, and guidance. They can join associations like SNA or FEAAN and join our network volunteering team Dera Soars. As a woman artist, you may face unique challenges and biases. It’s essential to stay focused on your artistic vision and values, and not compromise your integrity for the sake of commercial success or external validation.
Being fashion conscious as an artist
On the notion of artists being fashion conscious, they are fashionable in their own way. To an artist, fashion is that uncommon attire with a touch of artefact or culture or history that defines them.
Beauty to me
Beauty is not just about physical appearance, but also about the qualities that make something or someone special and meaningful. To me, beauty can be found in the creativity and originality of a work of art, the kindness and compassion of a person, or the simplicity and elegance of a design. It’s about finding joy and appreciation in the little things that make life worth living. I love uniqueness and simplicity and that alone is beauty.
My fashion style
My fashion style is usually inspirational. It depends on the role I am playing at a given time, or what event or place. I love African fabrics, I love African jewelries, I produce and sell my necklaces which are cultural and skin-friendly. I also resell unique jewelry pieces. As a lady, I discovered that putting on your body matching dresses and not exposing your nakedness makes you look adorable, honourable and gracious. I’m a huge advocate of modest dressing and simplicity.
Juggling family life with my careers
Being an artist and a wife, I must say it’s not easy at all, especially if you are passionate about your art and the business side of it. Your husband and your art would be seeking attention, let alone when you have children and most times your husband or your children wins, especially if you married a man that loves you so much, reciprocating is the same as sacrifice. So, sometimes, you would have to go the extra mile to keep your vision on track and so at this point building a team is very essential. I have a team of 20 persons who play vital roles in my organisations. It makes work easier and helps me create time for my research work as well. My husband loves my passion and so he encourages me wholeheartedly and unconditionally. It’s also an advantage for me because his assistant I must say has helped in several ways, especially in the last solo exhibition where I showcased 15 artworks. It wasn’t easy; but I’m grateful to God for the kind of man I married.
My relaxation
Relaxing to me is an adventure. My husband is a very adventurous person and so we visit places. But we are yet to explore so many other interesting places.
My next project
I will be exhibiting my works at Nike Art Gallery Abuja on March 7, 2025. My next project plan for the year is to create more visibility, engage in community projects and apply for international opportunities.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content
