Nigerian Athlete turns to the Art side

Talent can not be overlooked.

Recently, Benjamin Inetanbor who currently resides at North Carolina, USA, got into his niche of painting.

Born in Nyanya, Abuja, Nigeria, Benjamin lived in a small town called Jikwoyi, with his parents and five siblings. He grew up in an artistic home.

"My father was a welder, and my mom a choir member at the AG ministry.  My brother Imonitie is an architect and my sister a make up artist/fashion designer."

Benjamin's family lineage hail from the Benin Kingdom, Edo state, Nigeria.

"I guess you could say we got this gene from our ancestors, who were known for their great works of art throughout history. Everyone in my family, before moving to a different thing did something related to fine art."

For a very long time, it seemed Benjamin took a leave on his art side, for sports.

"As for me, I never took interest in any of the fine or visual art. I was always interested in sports like; Basketball, track & field, and Soccer, but for some reason, I knew I was so much more than just sports."

Few years into the learning the game of basketball under the guidance of Andre Achebe (Head coach of Titans Basketball Academy), Benjamin got a student-athlete scholarship to study in the USA.

"For a while back home in Nigeria, I was not academically sound, but for the love of the game of basketball, I had to step up my grades, else my coach wouldn't let me on the court. This helped me a lot; I train my mind and body daily."

Benjamin's awakening manifested, after his change of environment.

"Reaching the USA, I began developing interest in art; mostly visual art. It was as if everything I missed out on my childhood days were all piled up into one. The feeling,  peacefulness, history, and expression all had me mesmerized."

"I only started painting for six months, and I have painted two portraits; one of which I sold to my teacher for $100, one landscape and three abstract expressions in only three months."

In all, Benjamin seeks opportunity to fulfill his dream in getting degrees in art and anatomy.

"I want to finish my education in the USA.  I would like to get a degree in Anatomy and also Bachelor's degree in art and design. This is my goal."