Profile
Victor Kuutuome — the “Clay Doctor” causing a stare with sculpture
Has anyone ever tried drawing or painting a piece of art but the work turns out not to be anywhere close to what one had intended to portray?
That could be embarrassing sometimes and it would be most appropriate to ‘hide’ the supposed artwork or risk being mocked by their peers or even competitors.
However, that is not the case of young Victor Kuutuome. He falls in the category of persons who are meticulous about their craft and he produces marvelous works deserving commendation.
With barely three years in the Arts and Sculpture industry, his handiwork has become a huge attraction to many art enthusiasts.
Victor, 29, is a final year student of University of Education, Winneba. At the time of this interview, he was on a teaching internship in one of the schools in his locality.
He had studied Visual Arts at T.I. Ahmadiyya Secondary School in the Central Region in 2009 but financial constraints did not permit him to gain admission to the university the following year.
For eight years, he worked as an apprentice to a roadside artist before gaining admission finally to the university in 2017 to polish his skills in Sculpture and Graphic Design.
The sculptor, now popularly called “Clay Doctor” interacting with The Spectator about his recent works and future prospects, said he had wanted to abandon the course as he did not have initial interest in the field.
“I had wanted to study ceramics but one of my friends suggested we try something new so I settled on sculpture. I was completely lost during our first lesson because I did not have any prior knowledge in this area,” he narrated.
Nonetheless, he soon acquainted himself with the programme and had presented his first practical work which was rated highest among that of his compatriots in class.
As his interest in the craft grew further, Victor said he decided to understudy one of his lecturers at the Art Department who became his mentor.
“My lecturer [Dr. Thouphilus Kwesi Mensah] who was already a sculptor was impressed with my works and agreed that I work with him. His words of encouragement throughout the period pushed me to keep learning,” he noted.
Barring any unforeseen circumstance, Victor would graduate in a few months from today but he had already designed beautiful statues, depicting a host of personalities including popular footballer, Asamoah Gyan, President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and their spouses.
Others include well known musicians such as Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and Sarkodie which had gone viral in the early part of 2020.
His recent Akufo-Addo–Bawumia project which he calls “The Grace” had received positive feedback and he was looking forward to an opportunity to present the sculptures to the first gentleman of the land and his able deputy soon.
Touching on the various aspects of his work, Victor said he was able to “visualise the final outlook of any project before it started, adding that he had become engrossed in sculpture to the extent of diverting part of his school fees last year into completing one of his projects.
The man who hails from Nandom in the Upper West Region said he now found gratification in sculpture and believes “hardwork and passion” had contributed to his progress over the years.
“I enjoy giving a helping hand to others and the more I impart knowledge, the more I learn,” he said.
Victor indicated that a number of local and international clients had expressed interest and were “willing to pay good money” ever since his works began receiving public attention.
He said the craft, though exciting, came with some challenges and it took about one to three months to complete a project. However, there were others that could be done in two days.
“In addition to clay which is the main component, we use some chemicals also to enhance the final outlook but some of the chemicals could be harmful.
“Some people had gone blind due to exposure to some of the chemical so we take extra precaution when working with it,” he added.
Last year, Victor and six of his other colleagues were supposed to work on a project for their university but it was truncated due to the lockdown and subsequent closure of schools.
Obama, as others prefer to call him, wants to pursue a Masters Programme in sculpture right after school and consider lecturing in future as well.
While admitting that a section of the public were beginning to understand that statues were “not meant for the dead alone,” he said he was focused on improving the quality of his works and not seeking to compete with anybody.
“Sculpture is the father of art hence producing a statue of someone is an act of immortalising the person. We all will die someday but a sculpture will make the person be remembered forever,” he noted.
According to him, “some individuals now presented statue to their loved ones as a form appreciation but there is still the need for sensitisation while the government provides the needed support for the art and culture industry.”
Victor said he did not “expect a lot of things to happen so soon” and much of his gratitude goes to his mentor and lecturer, Dr Mensah.
The “Clay Doctor,” got his name when he wore a white overcoat to lectures. A friend had teased him briefly for appearing “too decent” to be working with clay and that nickname has since become his brand name.”
Apart from his day’s job, he has a miniature studio at home where he does most of his work anytime he receives orders.
By Ernest Nutsugah
Profile
Prisca Abah: Ghana’s modelling powerhouse
Ghanaian model, philanthropist and advocate, Prisca Abah, who is known for her contributions to the fashion industry, is strutting her stuff on higher levels.
She was recently selected as one of the models for the Big8 Girls Project, an initiative by Clinton Samuel to celebrate influential African models.
The project consisted of three episodes: the Bio Shoot which highlighted Abah’s professionalism through a corporate-themed photoshoot; Afrodeity which focused on showcasing her confidence and artistry, celebrating the African divine feminine and royalty which presented Abah as a symbol of African cultural pride, embodying strength and elegance.
The Big8 concept, produced by Clinton Samuel, intentionally highlights and celebrates the strongest and most influential models on the African continent, congratulating their steadfastness and contributions to the African fashion industry, even as they grind and win in other aspects of life.
The Big8 sets hierarchy and high standards in the African fashion and modelling industry, crowning eight of them with the ‘Top Model’ status as the leading female models in Ghana at the moment.
“Working with these fiery women will surely ignite more creative minds and stir the pot of positive competition,” said Clinton.
Abah’s early life and career
Prisca Abah began her modelling career in 2013, achieving her first notable milestone in 2014 with an editorial shoot for 5-Star International Modelling Agency. In 2015, she made her runway debut at the Ghana Fashion Awards.
From 2016 to 2018, Abah participated in major African fashion events such as Glitz Africa Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg, and Rhythms on the Runway.
During this period, she received accolades, including the “Best Female Model of the Year” and spoke as a UN Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 12 at the Sustainable Rice Platform Conference.
International recognition and pageantry
In 2022, Abah expanded her reach by entering the pageantry world. She placed as the first runner- up at the Beauty of Africa International Pageant and represented Ghana at the Miss Globe World Finals, where she earned the title of Miss Globe Africa 2022.
Philanthropy
Abah founded the Palins Foundation, a non-profit organisation, aimed at empowering women and youth through initiatives in education, skills training, and personal development.
Awards and collaborations
In 2023, Abah received the Best Model of the Year award at the Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards. She has collaborated with leading designers such as Charlotte Prive and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, further solidifying her influence in African fashion.
Legacy
Prisca Abah is recognised not only for her contributions to the fashion industry but also for her philanthropic efforts. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young Africans, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while giving back to society.
By Edem Mensah Tsortorme
Profile
Juventus Duorinaah, Ghana’s first deaf Lawyer
In a landmark moment for Ghana’s legal landscape, Juventus Duorinaah Esq., has etched his name in history as the country’s first lawyer with a hearing impairment.
His journey from a humble background to breaking barriers in the legal profession serves as a powerful inspiration for countless individuals in the disability community, proving that determination and resilience can defy societal expectations and create pathways to success.
For Juventus, the recognition as Ghana’s first deaf lawyer feels surreal.
“It feels like a dream,” he reflects, acknowledging the stereotypes surrounding deafness and the humble background from which he hails.
Juventus’ passion for law sparked in 2008 while seeking admission to the University of Ghana (UG). Although he initially faced challenges due to the nature of the application process, the help of his older brother and his determined spirit led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Laws at Cardiff University in 2014.
His passion for the study of law became highly intense when he had to study alongside qualified lawyers from several jurisdictions, even though he did not have a legal background. Here, he faced the unique challenge of studying without sign language interpreters, relying instead on a palantypist to transcribe lectures.
Juventus’ role model was his professor and mentor, Professor Luke Clement, who profoundly inspired him in shaping his understanding of law and human rights.
He remembers Prof. Thomas Stephens from the University of Ghana School Of Law, who inspired him with his way of dressing, in-depth knowledge of the law and engagement with students.
He recounts the enormous challenges he encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lectures moved online, and Dr Stephen’s tremendous support to ensure things moved quickly and smoothly for him.
“I also had the chance to have a few classes with the Dean himself, Prof. Raymond Atuguba. He taught the course such that some of us never felt scared as other lecturers made the course,’ he recalled.
Juventu’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in communication.
The year 2007 was the last time he studied with deaf peers. He was often the only deaf person in his classes throughout the following years of his education, which made interaction with peers difficult.
Despite these hurdles, he remained high-spirited, studying late into the night and seeking help from kind classmates when necessary.
Reflecting on his academic experience at UG, he connected his affection for the university to his older brother, who is also an alumnus. He felt inspired to be a student of the premier university, saying he would choose the University of Ghana any time, any day, if given the chance to further his studies or work.
The University Of Ghana School Of Law, along with its Dean, Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Director of Legal Education of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Bramiah Oppong, and his capable team, including the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the Ghana School of Law and the Office for Students with Special Needs (UG), made significant contributions to his journey.
Prof. Atuguba acknowledged Juventus’ achievement as evidence of the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Commenting on how the school accommodated his special needs, Prof. Atugugba explained that ‘In the case of Juventus, we worked closely with him to understand and address his special needs, ensuring he had access to the teaching and learning resources in the appropriate formats that would support his academic journey.
Professor Atuguba noted that Juventus’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds promise for him and the many lives he aims to touch along the way.
Juventus’s close friend, Ida Esi McOwusu Esq., described her first encounter with Juventus as ‘intriguing.’ “My first meeting with Juventus was in class, where he sat right in front of me in first year,” Ida reveals. She was intrigued and wanted to find out more about him, especially how Juventus navigated his way to this level. “I got closer and we became friends from there,” she remarked.
Mr Francis Kweku Essel, Juventus’ interpreter, shed light on the primary challenges he faced in carrying out his job, particularly the complex nature of legal terminology and concepts. This validates Ida’s comment on the interpreters’ lack of legal background as a challenge Lawyer Duorinaah encountred.
Juventus dreams of becoming a judge and aims to enhance justice delivery while serving as a role model for young people with disabilities.
He is currently mentoring a group of young deaf students interested in pursuing law, hoping to pave the way for future generations. What’s next for Lawyer Juventus? His next step is to complete his pupilage, after which he can decide further his legal career.
