History

At the age of six Ian took interest in image. At first, he saw a photograph of young African children playing soccer at sunset. Then a few days later, his eye was captured by a painting of an unknown African wax artist.

From there, Ian would do anything from drawing cartoons off of scribbles of newspapers to drawing geographical maps for his social studies and history classes. The teachers were quite impressed at how, a then, twelve year-old had acquired such creative passion. So he embraced a higher education and studied paintings, wax-art, masks, sculpture and theater. His passion for writing also began. He made sketches that where at first not as interesting, but with the help of the school’s elocution and drama programs, he would strive regardless. With increased enthusiasm, his passion for literature, poetry, drama, music, dance, and history grew. The school held a number of productions that involved music, dance, and drama, which Ian took part in.

Not forgetting his passion for painting, it wasn’t until he was in Norway that he began to paint pictures. He frequented public libraries to look at the works of so many painters. He studied the romantic style of Christian Krogh and Adolf Tidemand, the light and shadow element in Rembrandt’s work, and the Claire Obscure that is highly characteristic in Caravaggio’s paintings; all these amongst others.

When people saw Ian's creative development, they would give him cardboard, paper, unwanted canvas, wall paint, and brushes. He would use these to paint a number of pictures that focused on his own life experiences and whatever he imagined. But he expanded his subjects through a worldwide spectrum tackling worldly matters.

As a painter, Ian experimented with so many styles such as cubism, expressionism, surrealism, abstract etc. which he had learned at Art School in

Norway

. But there's no particular style he can identify himself with.

After Art school in Norway, he decided to reflect on his knowledge in creative writing bridging art into film.

Ian attended Lillehammer University College to study film science, where he failed the exams after the devastating loss of his beloved grandfather. But with his mother’s unconditional love and support, he relentlessly persisted and continued on a practical program at the Mercantile Institute of Bergen in Norway. There, he was recommended by the head of the TV and Film program to continue on a bachelor’s program at Columbia College Chicago. He wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to follow his path in filmmaking.

In Chicago, Ian has written scripts for his films and directed and edited them at a low budget independent scale. He has worked with not-for-profit organizations in Chicago and New York by promoting their cause through video. He has also acted in theatrical plays, one of which was his appearance in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun as Asagai, directed by Kai Simone.

Ian is very grateful for his family, friends, and teachers who keep helping along the way.

"I've discovered that humility is rewarding, and it's a quality that reflects in the actions of a well-disciplined individual. There is so much order in this world beginning with the thought process of man and how he is able to communicate and reason. Our attitudes and they way we communicate with each other will tell the world something about who we are."

"One Step a Mile was a scratch in the head. No money at all. No crew. Just out there on a limb, sweating to make something happen out of nothing. I had to make sure everything was scheduled perfectly well, but you know how that goes when you get on set. However, the movie taught me patience and endurance. I have been tested in all the different areas of production at an independent low budget scale. The experience has brought me closer to how it feels to be a cinematographer in case I get to work with one, a producer in case I get to work with one, an editor, an actor, lab technician, a grip, a gaffer, a location scout etc. I think it was crucial for me to get a feel of these areas at an early stage so that in case I get to work with these folks, I can better understand their process. But most importantly, it has given me the awareness of why there are different departments on a movie set, and that there has to be a great amount of respect and trust for each field of labor."

"Gethemia is a personal establishment with the hope of working with different people. For me, it gives me reason to hope, to never give up, and to keep going.
Every single person has some sort of burden to carry, and we can't compare. The test is in how we arise from it and keep moving. After my father passed away, life changed. But I just keep on going. And I thank God for that."

"The further you go the more likely you are to discover new things. Hard times are an exercise of character."

"I believe with my heart that the gifts we possess are undeniably by God’s grace, and through His power, a blessing unto others.”

Gethemia has made Ian pay very close attention to the subject matter in both his artwork and films. He has taken the effort to develop scripts that relate to people and to show a world filled with contrast.