Sola Olulode is a Brixton-based British-Nigerian artist who uses natural mediums to explore rich, multifaceted representations of Black Queer Women and non-binary people.
How has Covid-19 affected the space in which you work and create? (Do you normally work at home, studio space or outside?)
I normally work on quite a large scale with lots of messy and toxic materials which requires a designated space to do this in so I rent a studio space. During lockdown when I didn’t have access to my studio I had to resort to carrying out my practice at home in my bedroom with limited space. This reduced the amount I could create and the materials that I could use.
How has creating amidst a worldwide pandemic adapted your practice through the themes and methods you use?
I couldn’t continue working on projects I had on the go because they were all left at my studio. I’m normally an oil painter who works on canvas. At home I retorted to works on paper due to limited space and available materials. I mainly did prints and drawings.
Have you faced creative block during lockdown, if so how have you worked through it?
I found given the state of world events and the sudden changes in life I didn’t feel like resting work in such a limited capacity. I channeled my creativity in other ways like cooking, baking and redesigning my home space until I was ready to do some drawings and prints.
During this period of lockdown, have there been any new creative skills or exercises you have started practicing?
With the extra time I had I adapted my practise to take more time and care with the way I work. I normally do paintings without much of a plan just following intuition. During lockdown I challenged myself to only focus on drawing and making plans for series for me to work on when back in the studio. I also had time to read and research ideas and concepts which previously I neglected to do.
What things have brought you joy and hope that you’d like to share?
Still being able to connect with loved ones through social media and video calling. Seeing the way we as people adapted to connect with each other and take care of each even with the physical space brought me happiness. I never felt isolated or hopeless because of this. All the Houseparty chats, Zoom calls, TikTok challenges and online exhibitions and online raves provided me with so much joy.
