Crazy About Kenya - Artists

I am a self-trained artist born in the Malindi, Coast province of Kenya. I got interested in art after watching other artist's work, from an early age I took on art as a hobby. I have liaised with a lot other artists like Elzbieta Krawecka (Canada) who was my teacher then (in 1996), Steve Lance (Kenya), 26 international artists (Kuona workshop 2006). In 2007 I was chosen to be among 4 Kenyans to go to for the Thupelo Capetown workshop in South Africa.

I feel Kenya is part of the art world because of all the great works that have come from the country, ranging from sculpture to visual art. A good example would be the Kioko metal sculptures and the Murumbi collection of artifacts.

Is there any place in Kenya that inspires you in terms of your art?

Yes, the Island of Lamu on the Coast. The island's natural environment never will bore me.

If you could pick your dream wildlife destination in Kenya - where would it be and what would you get up to there?

The Maasai Mara, I would get some nice sketches of the famous wildebeest migration and the big five.

Book a tour between July and October and you could have a shot at the Mara's annual migration - one of the wonders of Kenya. Acacia Adventure Holidays' 14-day Gorilla Encounter could be the perfect overland option.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

Their hospitality, their love for their very unique cultures (Maasai, Mijikenda's /etal),

Who out of your musical/artistic influences would make the best game viewing partner and why?

Eric Wainaina, because he is rather quiet and cool, also I am sure he would compose a new song after the trip

Go wild in the bush and bag yourself an all round encounter with the animal kingdom. . Acacia Adventure Holidays' NEW 6-day Maasai Mara & Lakes small group safari covers four parks and reserves.

Your best piece of art and why?

Any that I do to completion, buy so far nothing gives me much more pleasure that looking at the "hope...Africa" print because its opened a new horizon for me, abstract in monoprint.

How does it feel to be in Kenya now - what are travellers missing out on?

Kenya is vibrant again, a lot of partying laughter is in the air - don't miss out. Just recently we had the Idd celebration in Lamu and now looking forward to the Lamu Cultural festival in November. Come to Kenya to enjoy the rich Diaspora and diversity in culture.

Can you give adventurers the inside track on travel in your home destination - what should they bring to Kenya?

A torch if you want to stay in the light during black outs, which are prone in Lamu. A Swahili phrase book and t-shirt reading OBAMA FOR PRESSY at the front!

Where's the first place you'd take a tourist to in Kenya?

I think they would be interested in visiting the Museum. There is a lot of history there.

Joseph Koi

Age

Why did you get interested in art?