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Nii Teiko Aryeetey

"I was born on February 19, 1978 (a Thursday) in a suburb of Accra. As a child, I drew a lot, and on virtually everything: paper, walls, anything. I derived most of my inspiration, I suppose, from my mother, who was a textile artist (she designed a lot of the patterns for African cloths). My primary school teacher also noticed my talent and encouraged me to draw.

"We are basically a family of artists; my brother is an architect and my sister is a commercial artist.

"I had my primary and junior secondary school education at Abossey-Okai Anglican School. I finished in 1993 and in 1994 I went to St. John's Grammar Secondary School, where I studied visual arts. This was part of my senior secondary school certificate. In 1996, after I finished St. John's Grammar, I decided to enter into commercial art after school.

"I soon developed a style of painting called 'Linenism'. This style is rather abstract. I had the idea from watching streaks of rain water as they were blown into slanted lines by the winds. People who come across my paintings like my style. Some gallery owners have advised me that I should stick to my style because it's distinct and very interesting. Besides, I believe strongly in my style. I went into 'Linenism' because I wanted to come out with a style that was distinct and original. I wanted to be identified with my work; I express myself very well with this style.

"I use acrylic and pastel with either paint brush or the palette knife for my work. I use all kinds of strokes, but I mainly use medium strokes. The choice of stroke often depends on the kind of work I'm working on. I derive my motifs from both abstract and social issues. My friends also influence my work to a large extent.

"I'm currently making plans to have an art exhibition at one of the local galleries. I already have my works at some selected art galleries here in Accra."