Inside Life of a Nigerian Creative — Episode 5

The Creatives Hub
3 min readOct 15, 2024

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Meet Catherine, a Nigerian-based artist, who brings life to spaces with a unique mix of art and craftsmanship. From art to exploring wood art and furniture making, and next is the world of interior design. Catherine’s work is about creating environments, pieces that feel alive and personal, and places/items humans can relate to on a deeper level.

A Short note about self:

Hi, I’m Catherine Ajueyishi, creative director at Aracathy Creations. I started with a passion for bringing beauty into spaces via colors, and my journey has taken me from art to exploring wood art and furniture making, next is the world of interior design. My work is about creating environments, pieces that feel alive and personal, a place/item humans can relate to on a deeper level.

How did you start your journey as an artist?:

It all started from biology drawings to learning textile designs, bead making, macramé, millinery, etc. I’ve always had a curious mind, from being called a destroyer as a kid cause I wanted to know how my toy was talking. I started creating pieces and experimenting with different forms. Over time, I discovered my skill in painting, then I got bored of painting on Canvas. I wanted a different surface, and that’s how I found wood. It’s amazing! I registered in a furniture-making school to get proper knowledge of wood and the wonders it can do. I envision merging it with interior design to craft whole spaces, not just individual pieces.

How was your parents’ reception to your craft when you first started?

My mother has always supported my art greatly, encouraging me from the beginning. Her belief in my talent has been a huge source of strength. As I’ve explored and I am still exploring, she makes sure all that I require to enable me to focus on being creative is provided, from food to logistics fare, to prayers, to joining in, to phone calls to check up on me, etc. I’ll make her proud.

Share a funny experience that has happened to you in your career journey

Once, I was working on a large mural in a client’s space, and while stepping back to admire my progress, I didn’t realize there was a freshly painted wall behind me. Let’s just say I became part of the artwork that day. 😂

Which Nigerian artist do you look up to in the industry?

Laolu NYC

Pablo Picasso or Leonardo Da Vinci, you can’t have both, who is your favorite artist, and why?

I’d go with Da Vinci. He’s skilled in multiple areas, just like I am — I dance salsa professionally, do macramé, beadwork, and paint, I’m currently exploring wood art and furniture making. His versatility inspires me to keep exploring new creative expressions.

How has the Creatives Hub community helped your career growth?

Creatives Hub community has been instrumental and highly informative, connecting me with opportunities and a network of like-minded creators. It’s amazing to have a community that supports and uplifts each other.

What will you tell your 16-year-old self?

I’d say, “Believe in your craft. Your creativity has a place in this world, and if you stick with it, you’ll create things you couldn’t have ever imagined, so keep exploring”.

From art to exploring wood art and furniture making, and next is the world of interior design. Catherine’s work is about creating environments, pieces that feel alive and personal, and places/items humans can relate to on a deeper level.

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The Creatives Hub
The Creatives Hub

Written by The Creatives Hub

We are creative community supporting creatives across all spectrum, encouraging collaboration, access to opportunities and fostering growth of creatives.

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