Maryam Rita Christopher, also known as the “chubby painter,” is a talented artist based in Abuja, Nigeria. Her journey into the world of painting began around 18 years ago when she decided to pursue her passion professionally. Interestingly, Maryam had always been drawn to painting since her school days, although her initial career aspirations leaned towards accounting.
When asked about her training in painting, Maryam revealed that she learned the art from an Italian firm where she started her journey. Over time, she completed nine courses on painting, honing her skills and mastering various techniques.
Being a female painter in Nigeria hasn’t been without its challenges for Maryam. She shared that clients often underestimate her abilities because of her gender, assuming that she may not be capable of delivering the quality of work they expect. Despite these hurdles, Maryam has embraced her challenges as opportunities for growth, pushing herself to work five times harder to prove her worth to clients.
One incident Maryam recounted highlighted the biases she faces as a female painter. She approached a construction site for a project, only to be bombarded with questions from the project manager, questioning whether she would personally handle the job or hire men to do it for her. Unfortunately, she was turned down because the project manager expressed a preference for working with men over women.
Undeterred, Maryam devised a strategic move to showcase her skills. She offered to paint one of the rooms for free, aiming to demonstrate her capabilities firsthand. This bold move paid off significantly. Impressed by the quality of her work, the project manager not only reconsidered but also awarded her a larger project elsewhere, recognizing her talent and determination.
Maryam’s success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring female painters. Despite facing biases and skepticism, she encourages women with a passion for painting to pursue their dreams and enter the industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in a male-dominated field.
