Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomisin Oluwole.
Hi Tomisin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Nigeria, born and raised in Lagos and I came to California in 2015 to study Fashion Merchandising at CSULB. I suppose that’s where my story begins, within this context at least, haha. I graduated in the summer of 2019 and briefly worked in the fashion industry, mostly retail and PR. Then covid hit. I’ve always been an artist but I never really shared my works or I guess even really embraced myself as a full artist until 2020. That’s when I published my first poetry book, Half Past in the Am, and also started painting consistently. Presently, I’m getting my Master in Linguistics while also balancing my creative pursuits.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, when I look at it from a macro perspective, it’s been a pretty steady growth for me artistically or more aptly in terms of like moving from one project/opportunity to another. On the other hand, it hasn’t been a smooth road internally because I’ve struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, feeling deeply homesick, and generally just kind of lost and uncertain but then I find myself again. Like my partner says, it’s all just growing pains. Once I started building my reputation as an artist, I think I started expecting so much of myself or I felt like people did, or I wasn’t doing enough, which in turn led to comparison and more internal struggle. But I’ve worked through those feelings and thoughts, and I feel way more self-assured and excited again to just create. I don’t think these struggles are particularly unique to me as an artist or even just as an individual, but I certainly feel proud of myself for where I’m at right now. Also, it’s always going to be process, I’m just better equipped at handling these negative thoughts and seeing them for what they really are: just thoughts.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I’m focused on making art that I enjoy, whatever shape or medium that takes. I’m a painter, a poet, a fashion stylist, and a linguist but overall I’m an artist. I really just see it all as one and that’s perhaps what sets me apart from others. It’s certainly what I feel most proud of. I like how creative yet analytical I am and how these two supposedly opposing ideas exist within me cohesively. Ultimately, I want to inspire people with my art. I want to evoke a feeling or a thought.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Tons of people deserve credit: my partner, my family, my friends, and usually I’d stop there but even people I don’t know that admire my work in whatever capacity. I’ve been meeting people that recognize me or my art and it’s been so heartwarming for me and encouraging.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tomiluw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomiluw/
Image Credits
For the full body picture of me: Natalie Mumford
