CHRISTIAN AFRICAN ART

Gloria

In my "picture travels" I have found a very interesting African artist. GLORIA SSALI is originally from Uganda. At age eleven she moved to the United Kingdom with her family. She trained as a pharmacist, but after attending a local workshop in ceramics in Harrow Weald decided to give that up and follow her dream. She found her own way into painting, drawing and sculpture.

Annunciation

She has also become renowned for her ceramics.  It was during a class she took in her senior school year that Gloria was first introduced to clay modelling and was instantly drawn to this art form.

 To achieve her goal of becoming a full-time artist, six years ago Gloria returned to college to train as a ceramicist experimenting with techniques and learning about the different types of clay. 

Describing her career change as a new chapter in her life, Gloria uses her art form as a platform to share her life experiences and reflect the beauty of the world around her through the diverse cultures that have had an influence. In 2010 she was awarded the ‘Best Tile Cultural Heritage’ award from Elit-Tile, an invitation only international tile competition held every two years in the Dominican Republic.

Calvary

The dotted patterns prevalent throughout her work remind one of batik techniques and the effect that the wax and dye have on the finished fabric.

Gethsemane

She does also does intricate drawings, paintings, and photography.

Her Catholic faith is a big inspiration and shows in her work.  She loves biblical depictions but also likes to explore world culture. Gloria can convey such powerful works with just a few lines. I find her colors amazing, reflecting her heritage.

Wise Virgins

Wise Virgins