Signed Black and White Seascape Painting from Ghana, "Safety"

"I'm Ed Franklin Gavua, from Ghana's Volta Region. I was born in 1966 and, by the age of seven, I was already fascinated with painting. From there, my journey through art has included, sculpture, textiles, and baking!

"Now I've embarked on a different facet in my life as an artist, making original masks. I call my collection 'Yiiiiikakaii African Masks,' from the Ga words Kakii, meaning 'monster' and Yiiiii, which is an exclamation of fear.

"I chose this name based on tradition. In the olden days, masks were not intended as home décor and were regarded as sacred and, at the same time, feared by many who associated them with monsters.

"I make these masks by recycling paper and dried leaves together with glue. My designs come from my own imagination and from what I observe in nature.

"I believe that my ability to express my emotions is inborn. I am a self-taught artist and am the only artist in my family. I also had no friends to teach me, but now I teach others who are interested in art.

"I have been exhibiting my work in Ghana since 2000, and I have won awards in Nigeria's Adire Carnival, and Zimbabwe's Black History Festival.

"I believe you will help me turn dreams into reality and, without people like you, the art world would be meaningless. My hope is to leave behind a legacy, a voice, and a home for my art work."