It’s just something amazing about manifesting creativity into something tangible; it never gets old to me. Memphis is one city that is a perfect representation of that on many different artistic fronts. In Amaechi Oselukwue’s case there is artistic expression in everything from photography to UFC cage fighting, check it out:
First tell us a little of your background and how you developed into this area, where did you start with art period, not necessarily photography, was it all just a hobby, etc.?
Well I discovered my love for art when I was about 6 or 7 yrs old. When I was in the 3rd grade there was a kid in my class who was a great sketcher and I instantly wanted to learn how to draw. I started practicing for hours and hours and by the time I got to the 4th grade I was sketching up a storm. From there I just got better and better and became well known for my drawing skills. the problem was, as I got older I could not figure out how drawing would help me survive in the real world and my father made sure he reminded me how it could not. It was tough at first planning what I wanted to take on in college until my dad came to me with the idea of graphic design. In the art program at the U of Memphis all students were required to take photography. At this time I was not really interested in taking on photography as a career even though I did love to take photos and was always good at it. To make a long story short, after I got into photography, my professor along with some of my peers begged me that I should switch majors because they felt that I was that good. Later on in my college career I ended up not making it all the way through the graphic design program because the professors felt that “my work was not on their level” so I switched to photography and journalism and here I am today.
As I said earlier I’ve really observed your work and noticed the effort and growth over every year. From what I’ve seen, 2009 and 2010 were years when you really began to take things to a new level by using body art, makeup, hairstyles, color, patterns, outfits etc. Where did it come from, what sparked those huge leaps in how you approached your creative process?
Actually the use of body art and makeup is what gave me my name around Memphis. I’ve lost a majority of my work from 06′, 07′, and 08′ but if I were able to show you those you would see that the body paint was my main signature. When it comes to professional makeup and hairstyles, that just came later on after I had networked a lil bit more and got connection to artists and stylists.
Building on the previous question, what inspires that creativity, what makes you go in those directions? For example, the mime theme with models in purple tops with white face paint individually applied in different ways. Is it a collaborated effort from a creative team, or is this your vision being executed by a talented team?
Well like I said before, I came into the game with the artistic touch to my work. So now people are seeing this from me and they know to come to me when they want something bold and artistic. The mime theme was actually not a planned shoot. We were getting prepared to perform at a hair show and I just took it on myself to take pix of the models before we headed out. It was the idea of makeup and hairstylist Erica Stanford, a well known stylist around Memphis.
Outside of photography, what else are you involved in that you put the extra effort above others into?
Well it often shocks people when I say this but I am also into MMA cage fighting. Yes I know that it is a odd mix but I’ve actually wanted to fight way before I even got into art. I used to be a troubled kid when I was younger and at the same time loved martial arts. So many times when I got into fights I was using things as weapons that the average kid did not use like kicks, knees, and elbows…lol. so when I saw the UFC on tv one day I just knew that was what I wanted to do.
Oftentimes as artists, musicians, writers, etc. we put so much of who we are into the work; that’s what makes it unique and honest, but in reverse of that, how has this all affected you as a man and made you grow as a person?
Well just like most artist would say, through art is how we express ourselves. For awhile I was very anti-social. Now because of what I do I have no choice but to interact with people…lol. Another thing about art is the diversity of it. It allows you to express many things about yourself and even bring things out of others. Because of art I am a very open minded person, which you don’t really see that much of where I am from.
What is your philosophy or mindset that you approach everything you do with, especially your art?
“Veni, vidi, vici”- I came, I saw, I conquered. This is a phrase used alot in the world of MMA. It is also how I look at any and everything that I am involved with. I’ve always felt that if your going to put your heart into something then why not be the best at it. Well anything thing I do I’m looking to be the best. If an artist tells you “its not a competition” that person is a liar. We are always competing in this world to be on top or be the best, it is in our nature. So when I am creating art, the main thing on my mind is to make it as hot as it can be and even make the other photographers say “ooooooooo”….lol
What is your ultimate goal with your artwork?
My ultimate goal is for my work to be seen around the world and have people label me as one of the best around the world. It is one thing for a person to call himself the best. It really doesn’t matter if no one else knows you. But to have everyone else call you the best, now that is greatness.
What are you currently working on or what will you be working on in the near future? Where can we find more of and possibly purchase some of your work?
Well I have not really put that much thought into making profit on my artwork yet, but that will come in the near future. As of what I am working on right now, my long-term goal for awhile has been to be one of the biggest Fashion show promoters around the way, and I have already began that journey- two successful show down, many more to come.
Victory is eminent, but if you only see what's natural to you then you're limited 
