History

I think it was at the age of six that I took interest in image. I saw a photograph of young African children playing soccer at sunset. Something about the colors and the silhouettes.

I wasn't so good at drawing or painting, I just practiced. I would do anything from drawing cartoons off of scribbles of newspapers to volunteering to draw geographical maps for social studies and history classes. I began studying paintings, wax-art, masks, sculpture, and writing, mostly on my own outside of school. I loved it! It was quite intriguing, because through that process of self-education, you quietly start to feed your imagination. And chances are you'll find your niche.

We moved around a lot. But it was while I was in quiet Norway that I really began to paint pictures. I would often go to public libraries to look at the works of so many painters. Then, you know, I also started to do my thing. When people saw the work I did, they would give me all their unwanted cardboard, paper, canvas, wall paint, brushes etc. They were so kind that at times they would buy me paints. I was like, yeaaah man!

I have experimented with many styles such as cubism, expressionism, surrealism, abstract etc, which I learned while in Art School. To be honest, there's no particular style I can identify myself with. It's like Bruce Lee says, "Be like water, my friend." It flows in all avenues.

After Art school, I decided to work on creative writing and film-making. I had moved around so many times that I was affected by so many experiences. So I thought that this would be a great way to go because, to me, art was and still is about telling stories. And besides, I looove films! So, I attended Lillehammer University College to study film science. From there, I continued on a practical program at the then Mercantile Institute of Bergen. I decided to continue on a bachelor’s program at Columbia College in Chicago, and it was funnn!

In Chicago, I have written scripts, directed, line-produced, and edited. I've had the wonderful privilege of working with not-for-profit organizations in Chicago, New York, Arizona, and Bergen by promoting their cause through video. I've also had the chance to act in some theatrical plays, one of which was Lorraine Hansberry’s American classic, A Raisin in the Sun, as Asagai, directed by Kai Simone.

All in all, I'm very grateful for my family, friends, and teachers who keep helping along the way.

"I've learned that having the right attitude towards people, no matter who they are is a good thing. You learn something about yourself. It's a quality that reflects in the actions of a well-disciplined individual. Generally, our attitudes and how we communicate with each other will tell the world something about who we are."

"The most educative experience I've had on a project was while I was working on One Step a Mile. It was a scratch in the head. No money, 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 some serious patience. I have been tested in most areas of production. The experience has brought me closer to know 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 processes. But most importantly, it has given me the awareness of why there are different departments on a 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. It gives me reason to hope, to never give up, and to keep going. The further you go, the more likely you are to discover new things. Without a doubt, there are often hard times, but they must be viewed only as an exercise of character. For the sole purpose of withstanding the odds, no matter what they may be, I pay very close attention to the subject matter of my work. I try to make an effort to develop works that relate to the human condition and to show the world as I see it!

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