Some creative journeys begin in childhood, others arrive like lightning – unexpected, electrifying, and impossible to ignore. For artist Ibi Meier-Oruitemeka (AKA Studio IMO), the call to paint came on the morning of her 43rd birthday, when a sudden impulse to buy acrylic paints set in motion an entirely new chapter of her life.
What followed was a return to a long-buried love of art – a practice of instinct, surrender, and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from her British Nigerian identity, often exploring themes related to human connection and solitude. We had the pleasure of speaking with Ibi, who opened up about how their artistic voice continues to evolve, and what it means to find sanctuary in creativity slightly later in life.
We have heard that your artistic journey began after waking up your 43rd birthday with the sudden urge to buy acrylic paints – before that moment, what was your relationship with creativity and art like?
Yes! true story, it was like a switch being flipped. I woke up and felt this electricity on my skin and a strong gut feeling that I needed to try painting. Prior to this day I would say that deep down I have always had the innate sense of myself as a creative being. I loved art as a kid but as I got older I had no concept of it being something I could pursue as a life path. I failed art at A-level so in some ways that dissuaded me from even attempting to try it, instead over the years I’ve found ways to channel my creativity into other things including running a small business for the past 8 years.
Have there been any surprising discoveries that painting has helped you to uncover or process?
The painting in and of itself is the ultimate discovery for me. Every artwork is both a combination of curiosity and complete surrender to an unknown outcome. I don’t seem to have much control over what I paint, when I began I thought I would plan my paintings then execute. But this way feels a little too rigid and doesn’t really work for me as I rarely follow the plan.
Do you see yourself exploring other mediums or themes in the future, or is there something about acrylic painting that feels particularly aligned with you right now?
I have experimented a little with other mediums but for now acrylics feel like the right fit for me at this stage in my artistic practice. My paintings emerge fairly quickly and as the process tends to be instinctive I find myself changing things that don’t feel right, acrylics allow for this level of impulsivity as they dry quickly and I can rework or change things on a whim. It still feels fresh and new and I’m pretty sure there are infinite discoveries to make while I explore this medium.
What do you think has shaped your artistic voice, what has helped you create your wonderful characters?
I’m still discovering my voice I guess and what that really means. My paintings tend to centre on what’s most important to me. Family, friendship, connection, my cultural identities and my love of solitude. These things inspire and motivate me. I don’t necessarily paint to create story or meaning, instead I’m in search of an aura, a feeling of something I can’t quite express in words but can feel in colour. I trust in this feeling and let it guide my process.
What would you say to someone who’s feeling a creative urge at an unexpected or later time in their life, but is hesitant to act on it?
If there’s something calling out to you then you owe it to yourself to listen to that voice. Why deny yourself the potential magic of a new experience or self discovery. I think we tend to feel that if we spend time on things then it should have some obvious benefit or reward. If you enjoy it, or learn from it, that’s the reward!
What does your creative space look like, and how do you access the mental or emotional space where your artwork begins?
I feel very lucky to have found a spacious and light filled studio to paint from, it’s been a real gift to have a space that I adore going to. I start my days with a long walk, sometimes an hour or two. This helps me walk off any restlessness, by the time I reach my studio I’m usually feeling quite calm and in the mood to begin something. The empty canvas represents a journey I’m about to go on. I don’t plan my paintings, instead I like to go with the flow and see what comes through me.
You’re on an exciting new creative path, how do you now define success for yourself?
I’m so grateful to have discovered painting at this stage of life. I’m a mother of two who in many ways had set aside any creative ambitions I might have once had. I’ve had an incredible response to my paintings and of course I’m grateful for that. But the real success for me is connecting with a part of my essence that has been hidden away. To (re)discover a side of me that I’m able to expand and grow into, something I adore and know I will do forever regardless of any external validations. Is everything to me.
Where is your sanctuary?
My studio is my sanctuary, it’s bright and spacious and just for me. I paint there full time now. An artist studio was very much a romantic fantasy I had growing up and now it’s my reality. It’s peaceful, filled with plants, paints and canvases. A literal dream come true.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future, both in your artistic journey and in life?
To keep painting and growing as an artist, unobstructed and unhindered. Travel more, and spend time with the people I love.