Colorful Mixed Media Zebra Painting from Ghana, "Drinking Zebra"

Update (July, 2019)

“I have now been working with Novica for 15 good years. I call it good because indeed the past 15 years have been full of good opportunities.

“Aside from seeing a change in my business, I have also seen a change in the way I do things and my level of creativity. I have made a lot of progress in the way I work, and have achieved a lot of success in terms of making my dreams and visions come true. I used to face challenges like expanding my works and sales, but thanks to Novica, those challenges have been reduced drastically.

“I don't work in the same place since I joined Novica. I use to have a wooden shop but now have moved to a nice rented gallery. I have been able to expand in scale, in terms of both my finances and my client base. Currently, I still train others, and soon they will be joining NOVICA.

“Working with Novica has improved both my life and that of my family. There was a time that I was in the hospital, and just as I was thinking of how to pay the rest of the bills, I had a call from NOVICA that a cheque was ready for me--wow! In fact, I became so excited that I even forgot about being ill for a moment. By the grace of God, that saved the day. I am and will always be grateful to NOVICA.”

Original Artisan Story

Artist K. Baka has been featured in Red Herring magazine.

"My name is Kwabena Kufuor Afriyie-Addo Jr. (also known as K. Baka). I was born in 1968 in the eastern region of Ghana. My father is Benjamin Kwabena Kufuor Afriyie-Addo and my mother is Nancy Afriyie-Addo.

"When I was a child, I used to draw a lot. I was so interested in art that in school it was the subject I got the highest marks for. Actually, it was a gift - a talent. I later entered art college for a three year diploma in art. After graduation, I established my studio in the house. While in school, I was painting and selling, so after school I did not need to undergo any brush-up or polishing. I do paintings, craftwork, billboards, screen-printing and signboards. In 1997, I had 20 students whom I taught painting, batik, and textile making. Also, many art students come to me for brushing or polishing. Presently I have two apprentices.

"My paintings are natural, and I try to use inexpensive but high-quality material like calico, denim, military camp tents, and heavy curtain cloths. I find they are stronger than canvas. It also makes it possible to sell my works to a larger audience. I use acrylic paint because it dries faster and it lasts longer. I use phone cards for the painting instead of brushes because it gives me the effect that I want. For my paintings, many a time I see them in dreams and visions before I actually paint them. So in the morning I organize my materials and start painting.

"I am not a rastafarian. What I am wearing are simply dreadlocks. I am not married but I have a young son."