Fetlework Tadesse, a mother of three, was born and grew here in Addis Ababa. Her passion to art was started at her early age when she used to perform dance at her school to her classmates.
In course of time, her desire to art grew and in her latter days, it started manifesting itself both in the form of acting and visual art, which is now becoming part and parcel of her daily life.
Fetlework is a well talented artist who reflects her philosophy through her artistically made creative works. Lately, The Ethiopian Herald had moments of togetherness to discuss about her creative works, the challenges and opportunities of being an artist and a mother.
According to Fetlework, being an artist and a mother at the same time needs extra energy and passion. If not, it would not be easy to keep on walking on the same paces.
“I never see motherhood differently from art. For me, both of them have their own place in my life; and I think I am executing my responsibility accordingly and effectively. As a mother, I am a passionate woman who gives all of her time and energies to her children and as a woman artist, I also give my time and energy to my art works” she said.
According to her, it was at the time that she was a student at art school she got married. And even while she was pregnant, she did not give up on painting. In the same way, when she regained her strength after giving birth, she kept on engaging in her art works. But this does not mean that her daily house chores did not consume her time that should be used for art or, it does not mean that balancing motherhood with art is as such a simple task. “I sometimes found myself busying in the kitchen, buying goods in the market or handling other tasks. These were times that I quitted art for some time and gave my full time to my family. There were also times that I spent most of my time engaging in art and discuss with individuals in the art business.
Whenever I feel stacked and could not handle the art and my children simultaneously, I put my burdens on my families, particularly my mother is more supportive and the one I rely on heavily in this regard. This is also one of the virtues that we, Ethiopian women, are blessed with. The culture of helping each other in need of support is still fresh. This is particularly true in times where a woman feels busy and overstrained.”
When she replied who her role model is for the success she has achieved now and the strength and wisdom of mothers in Ethiopia, Fetlework said: “I believe my mother is my role model. As a single mother who has given her full time and energy for her children, my mother is an inspiration for me in every step of my life. She is the one who shaped my character.”
According to Fetlework, every mother is born with extra energy to handle challenges within her families. This energy will not be diminished in her late ages. She even became wiser in dealing with family issues. “Our mothers are good examples to this. As a pure gold tested by fire, Ethiopian mothers, the more they got older, the more they will be strong and wise. That is why in most cases they are considered as the pillars of their families. They have the strength to pass through a storm that may have a power to destroy their family. They also know the secret of managing their families even though they did not go to schools or taking courses.”
Patience is one secret behind every tolerant mother. It is the hidden energy that keeps every woman to lead her family properly. It is a God given potential to most women. “I think that is why we are resilient enough in passing through hard times.
Fetlework also said that unconditional love is another reason behind every happy family or every successful child. Mother’s love to her children is unconditional. This keeps the family strong and alive.
When asked what her strength or weakness is, Fetlework said: “the love I got from my families, particularly, from my mother and my husband is my greatest strength to reach where I am now. With all my challenges, ups and downs, their support and encouragement have kept me alive. This is what I want to reflect on my children.”
During their discussion this reporter also asked Fetlework what kind style she follows on her painting. “I use semi-realistic art style which helps me to reflect my philosophy, my outlook towards the outside world, as well as religious and social issues. For instance, I am fascinated about the fashion industry and brands that has a power to influence moral and social values of a given society. Thus, whenever I found such issues I prefer to apply semi-realistic style to reflect my view about that particular issue.”
Most of Fetlework`s paintings reflect her own self portrait and umbrellas. Asked why she preferred those particular themes, Fetlework said, first of all, for me there is no better model than the self. I prefer to see things from my own perspective instead of others. That is why I mostly use my own appearance as a model.
Concerning the umbrella, it is part of my personal philosophy and the way I see human personality. We, human kinds are living in a world full of fear and insecurities. As a means to hide ourselves or feelings from those uncertainties and feelings of insecurities, we have developed visible or invisible protection mechanisms. External or internal fears nudge us to lead our daily life carrying umbrellas (protection). No matter at which age group we are found or what our sex is, we all have doubts and insecurities. As a means to overcome those fears we apply “umbrellas” to defend ourselves.
The other reason behind using umbrella in most of my paintings is its circular shape which reflects the life we are leading. That is one reason why most of my paintings incorporate umbrellas, she remarked.
Mentioning that there are not a lot of women in the visual art area, [painting, sculpture, mural or similar wall paintings and the like], Fetlework urged women to work persistently and live their own passion. She also called on families and concerned bodies to give the required support for women and encourage them to pursue their passion and rich their full potential and achieve their dream.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The Ethiopian Herald November 2/2023
