Sunny K

Behind every successful man, there is the tears and above all his determination to succeed.

A new week to take the bull by the horns

“Mythical Connections” - when art meets function
This piece started as a sculpture exploring Yoruba cosmology - the sacred relationship between Ori (our inner destiny) and the cosmic forces that guide us. Inspired by ancient wisdom and Wole Soyinka’s powerful storytelling.
Then dropped the perfect suggestion: “Why not make it a side stool ?”
Now it’s sculptural furniture that literally supports your contemplation. As the Yoruba say, “Ori gbe mi, ese gbomi” - “My head leads me, my feet carry me.” Sometimes the best ideas come from collaboration!

Baba Onilu is a sculpture that captures the essence of silent communication and the profound legacy of tradition embodied by the talking drums of the Yoruba people. Inspired by the village drummer who traverses the town every Friday, moving from one house to another without uttering a word yet conveying messages deeply rooted in culture, this work honors the powerful language of the drums that speak beyond spoken words. The talking drums, ilu, are more than instruments, they are vessels of history, carriers of messages, and connectors of community. Through rhythms and beats, stories are passed down, identities are shaped, and connections are forged without a single spoken syllable. Embedded in this tradition is the Yoruba wisdom "Òrìsà ti a ba fe ko parun la fin le omo lówó" a reminder that cherished traditions are entrusted to children so they endure, kept alive through careful passing down. Ayan, denoting the revered lineage of drummer families, grounds identities in heritage, etching stories into the essence of generations. Baba Onilu thus stands as a tribute to custodial drummers, masters of a transcendent language where rhythm transmutes into revelation, communicating the pulsing heartbeat of culture through the drums' eloquent voice.

The last slide features a reference photograph of Baba ONILU, capture by

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ORI

My artistic journey took an exciting turn when I incorporated metal into my wood sculptures. This new dimension sparked joy and creativity, and I'm eager to explore more. However, my path to welding wasn't straightforward. A painful experience in 2019, during my IT in Lagos, left me hesitant. The intense light from the welding process lingered, making my eyes ache for days. Fearful and uncertain, I shifted focus to wood carving.

But inspiration struck when I saw photograph of Baba Onilu. I felt compelled to bring this art piece to life during my residency. Challenges arose, from sourcing saworo from Oyo to Ekiti, which was both costly and logistically demanding. I hired a welder, but they abandoned the project after the first day, despite being paid. Crushed and determined, I decided to face my fears. With welding glass and sheer willpower, I persevered. Hours of trial and error proved that I could indeed create something remarkable.

The journey was mentally taxing, but the end result was worth it. I'm grateful for my supportive colleague .chinedu.art , who were instrumental in helping me push through with words of encouragement. I was able to pour my heart and soul into the sculpture, and it paid off.

Photo credits

Stay tuned for what to come

In Yoruba culture, there's a profound saying that resonates with the theme of my sculpture: "Ibi ti Mio le de, Omo mi ma ju Ibe lo," which translates to "Where I couldn't reach, my children must surpass." This philosophy encapsulates the sacrifices and aspirations of mothers who hope their children will live better lives, free from the struggles they themselves have faced.

Thank you so much for your fatherly love 🫡❤️ for this incredible opportunity to push my creative boundaries

Over the past four weeks, I've had the privilege of participating in residency sponsored by , a renowned author, journalist, and art enthusiast, alongside three other talented artists .chinedu.art .k.i.n.t.u.n.d.e .
I've dedicated approximately 220 hours to crafting my sculptures, which are taking shape beautifully. The pieces are being created from a 12-foot-long, 18-inch-round Iroko wood log, from which I'll be producing three unique sculptures. Stay tuned for further updates as I work towards completing these stunning pieces within the next week.

My old woman's wisdom has always inspired me. She'd say, 'ỌGBỌ́N BE NÍNÚ ARO, ESE NIKO JE, KÍ OLÓDÙMARÈ MÁ JE A FI ARÁ SÍNÚ KÚ,' meaning that Disability can constrain someone from achieving his/her goals. This experience taught me that hard work and determination are crucial, but financial constraints can slow progress. However, disability or obstacles shouldn't hinder growth. My driving affirmations are 'isé loogun ìsé'.

To succeed, it's essential to focus efforts and overcome bureaucratic red tape, especially in challenging situations. As the saying goes, 'What do you get when you put two unfocused and inexperienced hunters in a bountiful hunting region? Comedy!' Instead, learn to focus and achieve better results.
When faced with setbacks, I draw inspiration from leaders like Churchill, who demonstrated courage and determination in the face of adversity. His curiosity and teachability elevated him from a master to a legend. What about you? What are the greatest threats to your talent? Is it lack of resources, training, or opportunity?

Let's rise above challenges and unlock our full potential.

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