Music-Themed Acrylic on Canvas from Ghana, "Cherished"

"If I could create a world of my own, I'd call it 'The Land of Colors.'

"Although I was blessed with a formal education in art, I believe it developed a gift given me at birth. When I was a child, I scribbled on the ground, on leaves and on the walls. But God has brought me this far.

"I was born on February 14, 1981. After finishing secondary school, I studied visual arts with a specialty in textiles, graphic design, sculpture and art history. By 2001, I had finished this course with flying colors.

"In 2003, I was admitted to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). There I read Integrated Rural Art and Industry as a degree program comprising textiles, clay, leather, metal, wood, bamboo and computer graphics.

"I work in abstract, realistic, and hyper-real styles using primarily acrylics and watercolor. Straw and natural objects sometimes become a part of my compositions, and proverbs, wise sayings, daily activities and dreams all provide inspiration. Warm and cool colors work together as I strive for vim, vigor and vitality. I want to become the best painter I can."

A talented and innovative artist, Samuel Asamoah signs his work as "Prophask" and refers to his collection as "The Land of Colors." Considered one of Ghana's best painters meeting the international standard, he has exhibited his work in his homeland as well as in the United Kingdom.