Featuring a body of cotton in saffron with printed vine motifs, an African elephant centers this painting by Ghanaian artist K. Baka. He paints the elephant's head with dot motifs in tones of black and brown. This painting is executed on card stock with a red border.

Product Features: 

• Dimension: 11.75" W x 8.25" H
• Weight: 0.05
• Color: Yellow
• Material: Acrylic and 100% cotton on card stock
• Made in Ghana

Story Behind the art:
Latest Update

Since working with you, the years have been full of good opportunities.

Aside from seeing a change in my sales, I have also seen a change in the way I do things and in my level of creativity. I have made a lot of progress in the way I work, and have achieved a lot of success in terms of making my dreams and visions come true. I used to face challenges like expanding my works and sales but, thanks to you, those challenges have been reduced drastically.

I don't work in the same place anymore. I used to have a wooden shop but now have moved to a nice rented gallery. I have been able to expand in scale, in terms of my sales and personal finances. Currently, I still train others.

You have improved both my life and that of my family. There was a time that I was in the hospital and, just as I was thinking of how to pay the rest of the bills, I had a call that a cheque was ready for me — wow! In fact, I became so excited that I even forgot about being ill for a moment. By the grace of God, that saved the day. I am and will always be grateful to you.

Original Artisan Story

Artist K. Baka has been featured in Red Herring magazine.

My name is Kwabena Kufuor Afriyie-Addo Jr. (also known as K. Baka). I was born in 1968 in the eastern region of Ghana. My father is Benjamin Kwabena Kufuor Afriyie-Addo and my mother is Nancy Afriyie-Addo.

When I was a child, I used to draw a lot. I was so interested in art that in school it was the subject I got the highest marks for. Actually, it was a gift — a talent. I later entered art college for a three year diploma in art. After graduation, I established my studio at home. While in school, I was painting and selling so, after school, l I did not need to undergo any brush-up or polishing. I do paintings, craftwork, billboards, screen-printing and signboards. In 1997, I had 20 students to whom I taught painting, batik, and textile making. Also, many art students come to me for brushing up or polishing. Presently I have two apprentices.

My paintings are natural, and I try to use inexpensive but high-quality material like calico, denim, military camp tents, and heavy curtain cloths. I find they are stronger than canvas. This also makes it possible to reach a larger audience. I use acrylic paint because it dries faster and lasts longer. I use phone cards for the painting instead of brushes because this gives me the effect I want. For my paintings, many a time I see them in dreams and visions before I actually paint them. So in the morning, I organize my materials and start painting.

I am not a rastafarian. What I am wearing are simply dreadlocks. I am not married but I have a young son.

The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

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