Q&A with Daby Obiechefu
Artist, content creator and facilitator
8 March 2025
Tell us a little about you, and how you found yourself working on Bernadette and Other Teenage Folk Tales?
I am a multidisciplinary artist, and I enjoy getting involved in various projects that match my expertise or even challenge me. I was invited by the lovely Restoke team and initially it was more art based (such as action drawing and providing an art table as an invitation for a creative outlet) than anything else. However, as my time within the project progressed, I had multiple roles that enabled me to work with and support the teenagers.
Your work spans multiple disciplines, from painting to sculpture to videography. What draws you to working across different mediums? Do you have a favourite?!
I am always hungry to learn new skills as everything fascinates me! I have a strong eye for detail and often when I have an idea or project in mind, I like to see how far I can push my skills and where I can afford to learn new ones. Having a variety of disciplines, allows my work and myself to be more flexible across anything that comes my way, making it difficult to ever say no to arising opportunities!
It is hard to choose a favourite as they are all great, however my top three are painting, movement (dance) and videography. Painting is therapeutic and the process can be quite calm and warm, dancing enables my body to move and express – allowing me to communicate what words may not be able to convey. Videography captures moments in time, adding emphasis to the experience as well as captivating the viewer.
Restoke brings together theatre, movement, music, and visual art - how has it been collaborating within such a multidisciplinary environment?
Collaborating within this environment felt like home. It was easy to go from one activity to another, and Restoke has always provided a safe space, accommodating to anyone’s needs and ensuring that everyone was okay. The multidisciplinary environment kept me engaged and high in energy. The music produced in the space was captivating, a joy to experience and move to.
How does your approach as a visual artist shift when working on a project that also involves live performance?
The approach as a visual artist shifts when working within live performance as there is more to consider. For example, when creating a painting, there’s the idea, the plan, the execution and changes along the way with the consideration of the viewer. The result and how best to install it in a public place. However, when it comes to live performance,the idea is revisited, there’s trial and error, understanding the cast’s strengths and capabilities, stage lighting, sound, suitable sitting arrangements, the unpredictability of the audience’s reaction and the overall appearance of the performance. So, these aspects are factored in and responded to.
Have there been any unexpected challenges or exciting discoveries in working on Bernadette and Other Teenage Folk Tales?
The exciting discoveries were my ability to teach a dance routine whilst being impressed at the speed it was learnt by the teenagers. The talent among the teenagers was remarkable and it was amazing watching them grow from shy to proud and animated. This required patience from the Restoke team, so I appreciated witnessing the approaches considered and altered to create an encouraging environment for the people involved.
What’s next for you after this project? Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you’re particularly excited about?
I am really looking forward to working with Restoke again, as this has been the third project I was involved in and always had a great time! What is next in store is more likely going to be art based. I would like to have an exhibition alongside activities whereby people of all ages can come together and get creative. Relieving the stresses and anxieties that often come associated with art and drawing. As I believe being creative is nurturing for the mind and soul, the process is relaxing, and the results are beautiful!