From sketch to masterpiece: The evolution of a talented artist

Many kids dream of becoming artists, athletes, or astronauts. For 34-year-old Steven Larbi, this childhood dream of becoming an artist has become a reality. Since the age of 17, during senior high school, he knew he wanted to pursue art professionally. 

Today, the talented artist  shares his inspiring journey, the challenges he's overcome, and the joys he's experienced along the way.

Early inspiration

"My art journey began with a discovery in childhood that I had a knack for drawing. Drawing came naturally to me, starting with cartoon illustrations," he stated.

At 16, he gained valuable experience as a fashion illustrator in his uncle’s fashion firm, which ignited his passion for precision and led him to explore hyperrealistic art. 

He spent nearly a decade perfecting pencil and pen portraits before delving into 'still life' paintings of African garments, a journey that deeply connects him to his cultural heritage.

Technique and style

Choosing subjects involves finding individuals who embody his concepts and bring them to life on canvas. Over time, he has honed his ability to capture intricate details, defining his unique artistic style. He draws inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci, particularly admiring Da Vinci's attention to detail and relentless pursuit of perfection.

According to him, his art is heavily influenced by his everyday experiences and surroundings, reflecting African cultural identity, lifestyle, and religious beliefs.

Challenges and rewards

Creating hyperrealistic art presents its challenges. One significant hurdle Steven faced in recent years was battling a spine injury caused by the long hours required for his art. 

Despite this, he persevered, driven by the satisfaction of capturing meticulous details that fuel his artistic journey.

His artistic evolution has seen a transition from pencil and pen portraits to canvas paintings featuring African wax print garments. Currently, he explores 'still life' paintings of these garments, illustrating their significance in modern African cultural expression.

The talented artist attributes much of his success to his mother, whose unwavering support has been pivotal. 

He welcomes criticism as a catalyst for growth and views praise as validation of his pursuit of excellence.

Notably, Ghanaian musician Sarkodie once mistook his pen drawing for a photograph, sparking a memorable interaction on social media and highlighting the lifelike quality of his work.

Staying inspired

To combat creative blocks, he immerses himself in art-related content and watches videos featuring IBEX Masters at work. 

These activities ignite his creativity and sustain his passion for artistic expression.

Future aspirations

Looking ahead, he aims to expand the reach of his art, inspiring others to strive for artistic excellence. 

He also envisions leveraging his talent to merge art with philanthropy, using his creations to positively impact society.

Final thoughts

He believes originality and authenticity are critical to an artist's success.

"Originality and authenticity are essential to achieving greatness and pushing boundaries,"  asserted. As artists, our work should celebrate and preserve our cultural identity and way of life," he explained.

Through his art, he hopes to empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves and leave a lasting impact on society.

In the years to come, Steven anticipates further growth in his artistic portfolio, touching more lives and leaving an indelible mark. With a steadfast commitment to his craft and a profound appreciation for his heritage. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of dreams, hard work, and staying true to one's artistic vision.