The wealth of the Niger Delta is beyond crude oil and the idyllic environment suitable for tourism, but also in the numerous talents that abound in the region.
Jackson Iyabi, who hails from Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta region, can make a sketch of anything or anyone with just a pencil and paper.
In an interview with Mangrovepen.ng, he said: “My dad told me years ago that I inherited drawing from him. He drew King Diete-Spiff when he was military governor of old Rivers State, and his sketch turned out to be the best.”
A graduate of Environmental Biology from the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Jackson is also a radio presenter, musician as well as a movie actor.
He hinted that God and his inherent desire for self-improvement have been his motivation, particularly as an artist.
“I strive to always be a better person. I want to push myself to do better. My next drawing should always be better than the previous,” he stressed.
Jackson left drawing for 4 years and ventured into entertainment. He only returned to the art after receiving a pronouncement from a female pastor who told him how skilled he was in drawing.
According to him, “Pastor Hannah Isaac told me my gift is what would connect me to my connectors. During that period I was working on a sketch for Prophet T. B Joshua.
“The day I started that job was when the pronouncement also came. I had about 4500 likes and 500 shares when I posted it on Facebook.
“That job was like a turning point in my life: people started appreciating me, and I also started taking drawing seriously.”
Jackson stated that the high cost of drawing materials and the relative insignificance shown to art by most Nigerians are major challenges he has been facing as an artist.
“People here don’t value art much, and getting the basic tools is also a challenge. I usually go online to order tools from China.
“As I speak, I need a stand and I can’t find it here. Tools are quite expensive, but due to the passion I have for the art, I intend to go the extra mile.
“When you start something, you should always be looking at the bigger picture. See your dream and gradually work towards it. Don’t let challenges weigh you down,” he said.
When asked what fans should expect from him in the next five years, he said: “I want to go beyond the ordinary. To be specific, I am going 3D. I want to do unrealistic things; bringing them to life with my pencil. I want my brand, Jart Artistry, to be a household name.”
He further hinted that “I just featured in a movie entitled The Exes, which was produced in Yenagoa. It will be premiered on the 23rd of December.
“Moving forward, I will be playing more movie roles while still creating amazing artworks.”
Jackson, who noted that no dream is beyond one’s reach, also admonished youths, especially creatives, to nourish themselves with the required ingredients for God to discover and shower them with His grace.
“Nothing good comes easy. Be consistent and you will one day reap the fruits of your labour,” he stated.
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