10 Minutes with Gayi Eric
NAME :GAYI ERIC
PROGRAMME : BACHELORS IN COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL ARTS AND DESIGN
YEAR OF STUDY: SECOND YEAR
NATIONALITY : UGANDAN
Why did you choose to do your course (Bachelor of Commercial Art)?
I chose this course personally, because I knew it was the only way to expose me to different styles and disciplines of art for example painting, sculpture, ceramics and art history which are very useful in being a complete visual artist. BCA as a course almost covers all other art units at SCIAD and business courses at large, which give me more exposure and experience that I exactly need to achieve my goals and expertise.
When did your love for art start?
My love for art started in my primary three (3), it was mainly when I was given the role of drawing maps and painting class charts, but it became more interesting in my primary five when my S.S.T teacher bought paint and brushes for me specifically to help him paint maps of different countries with their geographical features. That made my love for art to grow strong, I loved playing around with different art colors, paint and different art materials as a kid.
Describe your experience so far in the program?
The program is so far the best, it’s fascinating how it can get you exposed to different requirements you need to be a complete commercial artist out into the world, for example from photography to entrepreneurship and from anatomy to painting which has been the biggest platform for me to practice and work out my art skills and develop my style.
What is your best experience at Nkumba University?
my best experience at the university, came when I was allowed to pay a visit into the art gallery at SCIAD (the art school), as a fresher in the university I felt awed by looking at different amazing art works of finalist that year. They were all beautifully done and looked amazing, it was such a fascinating moment for me full of happiness and inspiration and it has never got off my mind.
Tell us your experience in the Bic art master Africa competition?
it was such an amazing competition and experience, one of the best platforms for artists to exhibit their art skills. The competition was carried out Africa wide including the middle East, with more than three thousand artists participating around Africa which made the competition stiff and it required someone to do his best, am delighted to have emerged as the overall winner of the competition making me the BIC ART MASTER OF AFRICA 2021 to 2022. And the first to win this prize in Uganda.
What is your best art piece? what make it special?
my best art piece is called Tolofisa21, it’s the biggest art piece so far that I have ever made with the size of 33 by 46 inches, it took me 3months to finish with its final look and that makes it very special to me, its rich with details, patience and execution.
What advice would you give a prospect/new student on how to master their craft?
The first fundamental rule is to be willing to learn and explore new things in line with your desired craft, it will make it better to know what you want to achieve and zero down to that niche, the university is like a room full of information, it is up to a student to bring it to its best use. Utilize the space, gallery, fellow students and lecturers to grow your expertise, before you know it you will be the best in your own craft.
You are really talented… you probably get a lot of commissions. How do you juggle work and school?
I dedicated my day time to my studies including my course works. No matter how many commissions or personal works I get, I don’t intervene into my day schedule. I only draw at night, only for five hours every night and it has helped me to focus and make these few hours effective.
Describe your time at campus in 3 words.
Simple, interesting, productive
Is there anything else you would like to share?
To any prospect artist out there you might be a student in the university, never stop pushing for your goal and dream, for the university artists utilize the space, draw what is best for you and trust me it will be best for many students or people out there that you don’t even know. When opportunities come jump on them don’t let them go, you never know how far they can take you. And always trust the process.
Social Media Handles?
Instagram: @erimarz Art
Facebook & Twitter: @erimarz
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