• About
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Support The African Dream
The African Dream
No Result
View All Result
Friday, September 29, 2023
  • News
    Uganda

    For Failing To Accept LGBTQ+, World Bank Stops Lending Money To Uganda

    Mali and Burkina Faso

    Mali, Burkina Faso, sends delegation to Niger in solidarity

    Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine

    Niger junta appoints new prime minister

    Breaking: Boeing Is Said Close To Issuing 737 Max Warning After Crash

    BREAKING: 189 people on downed Lion Air flight, ministry says

    Crashed Lion Air Jet Had Faulty Speed Readings on Last 4 Flights

    Trending Tags

    • Commentary
    • Featured
    • Event
    • Editorial
  • Politics
  • World
  • Opinion
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Change Makers
The African Dream
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Politics
  • World
  • Opinion
  • Tech
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Change Makers
Home Human interest

Meet Ranya Nirvan: A Sierra Leonean Glass Painting Artist And The Only Glass Painting Artist In Sierra Leone

by Abu Bakarr Jalloh
February 10, 2022
in Human interest, Inspiring African Stories
0
108
SHARES
1.8k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Whatsapp

Ranya Nirvan, initially known as Randa Abess is a Sierra Leonean glass painting artist born and raised in Kenema, the third-largest city in Sierra Leone, and the largest city in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. Ranya Nirvan is currently Sierra Leone’s only glass painting artist in Sierra Leone. Ranya’s beautiful arts have caught the attention of many; the variety, balance, contrast, proportion and pattern of her paintings is aesthetic. As the elements of art include: texture, form, space, shape, colour, value and line — Ranya’s glass paintings is an epitome of the former. This led her to be was nominated Best Artist at the 2021 National Entertainment Awards which she eventually won.

READ ALSO

From not having enough money for food to being the first Kenyan to go to space

From surviving a horrific plane crash to an MBA graduate with distinction

Ranya Nirvan started her primary school education at the Holy Rosary Primary School, Kenema City. After a successful stint in primary school education, Ranya continued her secondary school education at the same school where she did her primary school, Holy Rosary Secondary School. As brilliant as she was, Ranya was always among the top three best students in her school. But her sterling school performances came to an abrupt end when the eleven years civil war emerged in Sierra Leone forcing many school-going pupils and students to drop out of school due to safety reasons; Ranya was no exception. The civil war forced many families to flee for safety — Ranya and her family had to flee Kenema City for safety to the capital Freetown, in 1994. In Freetown, at age 16, Ranya had to let go of her education and started working as a cashier in a Supermarket to support her family. This led Ranya to drop out of school.

I caught up with Ranya Nirvan on Twitter and had an interview with her to tell the world her inspiring story and how she became a glass painting artist making her the only glass painting artist in Sierra Leone.

Q — Tell us about your artwork, glass painting?

Ranya Nirvan: It’s a form of Stained Glass Painting, which you see mainly in Churches and also some houses. Its vibrant colours brighten up anywhere you put them up. The process is not easy but I enjoy doing every bit of it.

Q — Who or what inspired you to do glass painting and how did it come about/where did you learn the art?

Ranya Nirvan: Destiny took me to India when I got married. Having visited several times, I got the chance to stay for a longer duration and hence came across an Arts Institution. I got fascinated by the bright colours of this art and wanted to bring home something unique that’s not common in Sierra Leone so did a course and later self-taught myself to improve my skills to meet up to the satisfaction of my different customers.

Q — Before you started glass painting, what else were you doing?

Ranya Nirvan: As I said earlier, I started working at a very tender age. I was also into trading assorted goods on a small scale, mainly to keep myself busy. But other than monetary benefits my soul satisfaction was not found.

Q — As a Sierra Leonean artist and being the only glass painting artist in Sierra Leone, what are the challenges you face with your doing your work and how do you manage to overcome some of them?

Ranya Nirvan: Art in general in Sierra Leone is challenging; from getting the materials to installation to getting a decent living out of Art only. The market is very small. However, it has been revived a bit in the past few years, with regular exhibitions. It’s so challenging to the level that we don’t have any Art gallery in the country, which is a criterion to participate in some International Art Exhibitions overseas.

Q — Are Sierra Leoneans buy your paintings or do they appreciate and acknowledge the wonderful work you are doing?

Ranya Nirvan: Oh Yes!!! They are my number 1 patrons, motivators, admirers, and have been an integral part of my journey, some from the very start. I wouldn’t have reached where I am today. I Thank God for them and pray to God to guide and protect them and their families.

Q — What message do your paintings portray?

Ranya Nirvan: All my paintings portray different messages. Others portray HOPE, while others portray SELF WORTH, SOLITUDE, FOCUS and so on and so forth. Some portray social pressures and insecurities. Insecurities and fear keep our mouths & eyes shut as injustices occur. We are scared of the consequences of speaking out, what people will think etc, & let’s be honest, it’s easier to sit back and let things slide.

Q — How valuable is your skill in this part of the world?

Ranya Nirvan: Its uniqueness makes it valuable. It is rare and unique just like diamonds in Sierra Leone. So it won’t be wrong to term it as Diamond of Sierra Leone’s Art World. With all due respect to my colleague Artists, Sierra Leone has a good pool of talent. All we need is support and a platform to display our talents on National and International platforms.

Q — Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Ranya Nirvan: God has been very kind. The past few years (when the world was fighting the pandemic), have been very productive. Due to my participation in Art Exhibitions at the US Embassy Trade Fair, WAMA conference at Bintumani, and some Award functions like The Barray, Reunion Sierra Leone, etc. I have garnered much appreciation and patrons who always patronize me for the work I do. With my social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, I am able to have a decent fan following which is steadily increasing. I always keep in touch with my well-wishers, who always help me to get in touch with new admirers. Representing Sierra Leone at the International level is what I am looking forward to. I am working towards that and Insha’Allah, I will reach there as well as my fellow artists who are equally talented in their fields.

Q — What is your advice to young Sierra Leonean artists out there?

Ranya Nirvan: Never lose your passion. Never stop believing in yourself. If you have a natural talent, instilled by GOD in you, you must never abandon it. It is GOD’s gift to you, and you should always try to keep it with you no matter how hard times are or how busy you are, never abandon it. The mental satisfaction one gets from doing something which they are passionate about what you do is immense. Don’t allow any critic to pull you down, stay focused and you’ll definitely succeed. My advice to every Sierra Leonean is to take pride in whatever you do. Do it to perfection no matter your job profile, once you provide satisfaction to your employer or customers, you never be out of work.

Do you like Ranya’s glass painting art? You can purchase them through WhatsApp +23276561222 or send her a message via her Twitter handle Ranya Nirvan

Tags: AfricaGlass PaintingRanya NirvanSierra Leone

Related Posts

Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba
Inspiring African Stories

From not having enough money for food to being the first Kenyan to go to space

September 25, 2023
Kechi Okwuchi
Inspiring African Stories

From surviving a horrific plane crash to an MBA graduate with distinction

September 26, 2023
Black Woman Celebrates After Being a Teacher For Almost 70 Years
Human interest

Black Woman Celebrates After Being a Teacher For Almost 70 Years

September 13, 2023
Nigerian Teenager Honored with British Council Outstanding Cambridge Learner’s Award
Inspiring African Stories

Nigerian Teenager Honored with British Council Outstanding Cambridge Learner’s Award

September 13, 2023
South African man who worked as a gateman to pay his tuition fees, bags degree in Education with 17 distinctions
Inspiring African Stories

South African man who worked as a gateman to pay his tuition fees, bags degree in Education with 17 distinctions

September 12, 2023
Meet Ifeoma Bibiana Okoli: The first-ever blind person to bag PhD at University of Ibadan
Inspiring African Stories

Meet Ifeoma Bibiana Okoli: The first-ever blind person to bag PhD at University of Ibadan

September 12, 2023
Next Post

CAF | AFCON 2021 tournament now amongst leading content globally

POPULAR NEWS

University of Sierra Leone

University of Sierra Leone Ranked Among Top Universities In Sub-Saharan Africa 2023

July 21, 2023
The Ugly and Frustrating Side Of Being A COMAHS Student – Anonymous Student

The Ugly and Frustrating Side Of Being A COMAHS Student – Anonymous Student

August 21, 2023
Albert D. Bangura

Brilliant Sierra Leonean Bags Overall Best Graduating Student In Cyprus University

July 15, 2023
Sam Bangura

Sam Bangura: The Bank Governor Who Died For Defying Orders From The President

July 17, 2023
Sierra Leone Police arrest senior military officers over plot to undermine democracy

Sierra Leone Police arrest senior military officers over plot to undermine democracy

August 2, 2023

EDITOR'S PICK

Meet Edward Alexander Bouchet: The First African-American To Obtain A PhD

Meet Edward Alexander Bouchet: The First African-American To Obtain A PhD

February 1, 2022

SHOCKING! Man Marries Triplets On The Same Day In Congo

March 2, 2022
Antonio Rüdiger jets to Sierra Leone to launch The Antonio Rüdiger Foundation For Sierra Leone

Antonio Rüdiger jets to Sierra Leone to launch The Antonio Rüdiger Foundation For Sierra Leone

January 24, 2022

East Ventures to raise funds to produce Covid-19 test kits

June 16, 2023

Read More

About – The African Dream

The African Dream is a groundbreaking digital media platform that has emerged as a powerful catalyst for change, showcasing inspiring, positive, and compelling stories from across the African continent.

Follow us

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Mary Eliza Mahoney: The First Trained Black Nurse in America
  • World’s Oldest Living Woman Celebrates Her 117th Birthday
  • Belford Vance Lawson Jr: The First African American To Win A Supreme Court Case
  • Ralph Metcalfe: The Black Sprinter Who Was The Fastest Human In The World In 1934
  • About Us
  • Meet The Team
  • Support The African Dream
  • Contact Us

© 2023 The African Dream Sl.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet The Team
  • News
    • Recent News
  • Support The African Dream
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us

© 2023 The African Dream Sl.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?

STAY CONNECTED BY SUBSCRIBING TO OUR FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

The African Dream will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
 

Loading Comments...