Signed Watercolor Expressionist Painting from Ghana, "Africa Elders Forum"

"I'm Cecilia Adedunmola Adeniran and I was born Nigeria. I create paintings and batik patterns. My friends describe me as hardworking, creative and disciplined.

"I was born into an artistic family. My dad paints and creates fabric designs. As a child, I was curious about painting and asked my father lots of questions. I started practicing by drawing cartoon characters and painting them. I also practiced dyeing fabric.

"I love vibrant colors, which is what attracted me to painting. My father taught me, but I also learned in school. Since then, I have taught others and organized workshops for children and church members.

"I had to learn more to master this craft. I experimented and researched a lot after meeting people from different backgrounds for more ideas to bring to my art. I use a pallet, brushes, canvas and oil paint.

"My favorite part about painting is creating something unique. I don't like to copy anybody. I'm inspired by God, and also by the colors and objects around me. Working on my own hasn't been easy. I didn't have money or a place to work. My art puts smiles on people's faces and I've been able to encourage others to believe in themselves.

"During a difficult period in my life, I had to raise money for school by selling my artwork and also began making crafts to sell.

"Once, when I had to work all day and all night on a project, the client told me it wasn't what he wanted. I asked myself why I didn't sleep more and spend less time working. Now, when people see my work, they say they love it.

"My hopes are to further my education and earn a degree. I hope to establish a gallery to exhibit my work and support young artists. I dream of being able to help the poor and less privileged, like widows and orphans, by organizing workshops so they can learn to earn a living."