CANVAS OF DREAMS

By Callista Nnachetam 

I enter my art studio and give a group greeting to everyone. They are all busy doing what they are passionate about. Some are painting, others drawing, while a few are sculpting. I go ‘round, commending and guiding as much people as I could on their projects. 

Walking towards one of my most brilliant students; Eseose, I notice her eyes are red and puffy again. This was the third this week, and I was determined to know what the problem was this time.

I tell her to wash her hands and meet me in my office in half an hour’s time. I was just done rounding off my meeting when she enters my office. Ushering her towards the sectional sofa, we both sit down while I ask her what the problem is. Eseose breaks down in tears as she tells me she comes from a family of Engineers and her parents want her to become one. She has always loved painting since she was a little child and told her parents she wanted to make it her career but they ignored her thinking she’ll outgrow it. Her eyes brim with excitement as she describes her burning passion for painting, and how the strokes of the brush bring her immense joy. She’s now eighteen, fresh out of secondary school , yet her parents insist she studies Engineering even though physics and chemistry are not her strength. They told her painting could not suffice for a real job, instead it should be something that is done during leisure time. I decided to share my own story with her —

Growing up in a humble home, my parents, who had faced their fair share of hardships, had dreams of seeing me become a nurse. I wanted to become a painter instead, but still got that  degree to make them happy. After graduating, they insisted I get married as several suitors were lining up  our front door, so my bride-price would be used to settle some debts and send my younger siblings to school, but I had a different dream—I wanted to become a painter.

With a determined heart, I spent every spare moment honing my artistic skills. I enrolled in art classes, and spent countless hours painting. I would lose myself in the vibrant colors, creating masterpieces that spoke volumes about my passion and talent. Despite my parents’ lack of acceptance, I never gave up and promised myself I’ll make a living out of what I was doing. As the years went by, my dedication and hard work paid off. My talent blossomed, catching the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors alike. My paintings began to grace galleries, and my name became synonymous with creativity and brilliance. I became a successful painter, living my dream against all odds. Now, my siblings are in school, while my parents now live comfortably. 

Facing Eseose, I tell her that the road to success might not always be easy, but it is worth every hurdle. I advise her to communicate openly with her parents, to help them understand her passion and the depth of her commitment. I  reminded her that love and support from family are invaluable, and sometimes, with time, parents come to appreciate the beauty and fulfillment that can be found in pursuing one's true calling. I even promised to talk to them, and share my success story, so they may perhaps, allow her to follow her dream.