The last few years have been hectic and productive since throwing myself back into the layered depths of oil and Medium after a having lengthy break from the arts, and I feel that I am getting closer to completing my apprenticeship.

Random was a need for me to slow down before I take on my next project, and to wrap my head around how I am gong to tackle the very many different images I intend to create – and Random is those chance encounters with other artists who share the same type of artistic ideologies and ideas with whom you connect and resonate with.

Kisho was first in the door of SOL Gallery on the opening day of my Greenwater exhibition in October of 2023. I was second in the door, and from that random encounter I could see he was an accomplished visual artist in need of mentorship – so I offered.

Working with the young Kisho has been fun and educational. ‘Dirty MOFO’ was a vague idea that I wanted to explore, but it needed a street feel to it. Kisho had been working in my studio on Saturday afternoons for several months and I was privileged to be an observer and to offer minimal technical advice.

‘Repent-er’, painted during the week after we had completed Dirty MOFO, was a direct result of my influence, he told me, while I had painted ‘What Came First?’ from what I had garnished from him.

Kisho and I met Monica Costa during a group show at Artemisia gallery in early 2024, and we made another instant connection. Our artistic styles may differ, but again, the philosophies behind her work supports similar themes and ideas. Monica, like myself, is a prolific artist and is dedicated to her medium, and I look forward to not only building on a friendship, but participating in future exhibitions with her.

@the_artist_anka

@kishoarts

@monicacosta.art

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