Profile of selected sculptors and their contributions to arts and culture

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that, artists are creative people. They are also key to societal growth and sustenance when it comes to promotion, preservation and protecting societal norms and practices. The study sought to examine the professional or personal philosophies of the selected sculptors that defined their works, challenges faced by the selected sculptors and their major contributions to arts and culture. Through qualitative research, an enquiry was made into the first objective discovering their professional life, challenges faced and contributions to arts and culture. The sculptors were interviewed using unstructured method. The population of the study was all sculpture educators and commercial sculptors in Winneba, Takoradi and Kumasi. For the purpose and nature of the study, respondents in the three selected tertiary institutions which are University of Education Winneba, Takoradi Technical University (Takoradi polytechnic) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology formed the population for sculptor educators in the study whiles commercial sculptors in the respective towns where the institutions selected are located formed the population for the commercial sculptors. The main sample and sampling procedures adopted for the study was purposive sampling. Interview schedule, observation guide and documents were the main instruments used to collect data. The data were collected through personal interviews and observation. These were assembled, discussed and analysed in a descriptive form. However, findings suggest that the identified sculptors techniques of production make them unique from one another based on their varied philosophical foundation or idea behind their works. Also, the study also reveals that a major challenge faced by sculptors was financial problems and combining sculpture with other professions was a major challenge among sculptor educators. Furthermore, the results confirmed that effigies produced by the selected artists are used for religious functions, especially in religious worship. Other sculptures portray the rule of a leader and are used to preserve the memory of very important events and personalities. Finally, other works are used to decorate private homes, public buildings, gardens and parks, which serve recreational resolutions. The study concludes that Ghanaian sculptors are contributing to the society in terms of education, philosophy, religion and culture. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that art teachers should encourage documentations of artists who have contributed greatly to nation‟s development in all aspects of the arts in our society since it helps in shaping our lives and culture. Written records on the artists should be provided with the name, personal information, and photos and description of their works should be made and published. This is not limited to sculpture but all the areas in Ghanaian art sector.