We haven’t yet recovered from our fascination with nature. In this year’s second edition of Art Drive, the spotlight is still on Odejide Faith’s inspiring collection of nature photography.
Balance shows an Egyptian Lotus, a flowering water-lily blossoming in its natural environment in the riverine community of Owode-Ota town in Iganna, Ogun State. On the day of its capture, Odejide had actually set out to take a landscape picture but couldn’t get one. At some point, he advanced towards a crossing and that’s where he caught sight of the plant. Its sight was captivating and he couldn’t let go without adding it to his collection.
Balance
In his own words,
“When taking this shot, I couldn’t help but notice that a plant can blossom on water with very little or no soil. It made me realise that regardless of any situation, once you’re of God, your purpose can’t be void. Beauty can be from anywhere. One such as the lily can make a bland or bleak place look lively. Anywhere we are (as Christians); we should be the source of life, destiny and fulfillment of dreams.”
The river on which the water-lily was found is a gently flowing water body that’s home to plants growing within it and along its shores. There are also insects and water snails present. It is located in Owode-Ota town in Iganna, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The river is home to several plants, insects and water snails
About the Egyptian Lotus
The Egyptian Lotus (or White Lotus) is a flowering white water-lily that grows in various parts of Africa and Asia. It was introduced into western cultivation in 1802 and is a popular ornamental aquatic plant in some parts of the world. Lotus is the latin name for a genus of the pea family called Fabaceae that contains about 100 species distributed in different parts of the world.
The White Lotus has lily pads which float on water, and blossoms which rise above the water. The colour of the flower is white but sometimes it can have a tinge of pink. The white lotus prefers clear, warm, still and slightly acidic waters and is also found in association with other aquatic plant species.
The Lotus is often used as a freshwater aquarium plant. In some parts of Africa, its tubers are eaten either boiled or roasted. The young fruits are sometimes consumed as a salad and the seeds can be turned into a meal.
About the Artist
Mr. Odejide Faith is a Visual Arts student at the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos. He is a nature photographer in the making. An indigene of Abeokuta South Local Government Area in Ogun State, Odejide sees wonders of God and the surprises of men in nature. He seeks to understand the foundations of man’s pleasures and struggles.
According to Odejide, “the truth is that if we neglect the natural environment, man is heading for destruction. Thus if we must make change, we need to forget a little about posh cars, buildings and other selfish conquests. I take my viewers to see how much there is for them to learn outside their bedrooms and offices, for one thing is sure – humans are the guarantors of the Planet.”
Odejide’s inspiration for photography comes primarily from the wisdom of God and his appreciation of the works of nature. Odejide loves photography because it gives him the opportunity to see meaning in created things that aren’t man-made and according to him, “words sometimes can’t fully explore creation as it is, and even the simplest plants can baffle a Professor”.
Connect with Odejide:
Mobile: +234-8182262976
Instagram: odejide_faith
About Art Drive
Art Drive is a monthly online art exhibition of inspiring and edifying works of art by the MFM Youth Church Writers Club. It explores the dream world of artists and celebrates the richness and diversity of creativity.
We’re inviting artists from near and far to submit visual artworks – drawings, paintings, photography etc. on any theme with a positive and inspiring message. All artworks must include a brief description of the piece and a short bio of the artist.
Submit to mfmyouthwriters@yahoo.com
MFM HQ Youth Church Writers Club
Watch out for the next edition of Art Drive.