.png){kind=logo}
Photographed with 'Fruits of the Spirit'
ANYONE ELSE SPEND THEIR ADOLESCENCE IN A CONCRETE JUNGLE?
I'm Ify, and growing up on a council estate shaped much of my artistic identity.
At 9, my first canvases were overturned letters, and my tools were chewed-up, half-broken pens and pencils.
Living on a 12-floor council block, I found inspiration in the colourful mix of African, Caribbean, Eastern European, South-East Asian, and White British residents. In all of this variety, the unmistakable common ground was our shared challenges.
Indoor life was marked by the smell of herbs and tobacco, vibrating floorboards from loud music, and frequent police visits due to domestic disputes or drug raids.
Outdoors, I bonded with neighbouring children, playing games like ‘knock-down ginger’ and hide and seek. Our adventures led me to create colourful comics depicting us as superheroes, reflecting our resilience and sense of community...
Photographed on the council estate I grew up on
Photographed with The Armor of God Triptych (SOLD)
Art became my escape and soon a recognised talent, offering hope and challenging stereotypes about ‘estate kids.’
My faith, particularly my Christianity, deepened my empathy and reinforced the worth of every individual, regardless of colour or societal status.
Today, I aim to capture the humanity and stories of people through my art, celebrating both their good and difficult memories as part of growth.
While this is part of my story, I’d love to hear yours.