Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemi Yemi-Ese.
Hi Kemi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Like most, as an artist, I started as a child with a penchant for drawing and sharing random crayon masterpieces with anyone I could find. Art was more tolerated than embraced in my family, so I didn’t aspire to become an artist. I wanted to be a neurosurgeon and followed the necessary path until 2006, when my car accident ended that journey. I was a senior at Baylor University preparing to submit applications to medical schools that year. I didn’t plan to have a cervical-level spinal cord injury that caused paralysis in my limbs and hands. I was devastated and didn’t have much hope for recovery, but my family, friends, and faith carried me through some of my darkest days. Art carried me as well. I often like to also credit crayons and a sketchbook for my perseverance. Clumsily sketching and scribbling allowed me to channel my frustrations and triumphs. I minored in studio art and studied painting under Karl Umlauf when I returned to school to finish earning my degree. I learned how therapeutic art was, and it helped me regain a sense of identity. Since then, I have leaned into every opportunity to create art, whether it be commissions, exhibitions, or my exploration of human experiences.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road, and it continues to be challenging. Most of my struggles involve inaccessible spaces and physical exhaustion while painting. I use a power wheelchair for mobility, and my arms get fatigued quickly after a few hours of painting. I manage these challenges by sticking to smaller canvases and researching galleries and exhibition spaces for accessibility considerations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a visual artist specializing in creating pieces in oil paint. My current work explores my Nigerian heritage through mixed media and the use of West African iconography. I am proud of my Oriki series because those paintings create a tapestry describing my story and future endeavors. I am a Nigerian woman with a physical disability/wheelchair user and a licensed therapist. These experiences directly impact my art, which sets me apart from other creatives.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was the oldest of 5 in a Nigerian household. I was expected to be a good example for my siblings, and sometimes pressure to be perfect without the nurturing acceptance that I’m human caused me to rebel quietly. I kept my grades up but found relief in being a class clown. It brought me joy to know I could make someone laugh but I would also keep to myself at times to read and draw. I was involved in practically every extracurricular activity available, from art club to junior varsity choir and theatre [except for sports which weren’t offered in my high school]. This kept me busy with exploring various creative outlets. I’m fortunate to have had teachers and mentors that encouraged these outlets and still expected discipline from me. It kept me grounded and I appreciate that so much.
Pricing:
- My pricing is based on canvas size and medium. I also provide limited edition prints of my work at a more accessible price point.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kemisart.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kemisart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kemisart
Image Credits
Kemi Yemi-Ese, The Artist
