How did you learn to produce String Art?

String Art is just nails and thread and when I explain it to people who don’t know anything about it, I usually say that I draw with nails and I colour with thread. 

I taught myself how to produce art using this method. I am originally from Nigeria and that was where I learned the technique after seeing a live string activity by a young dude in South Africa.

How long have you been engaged with this kind of practice?

I've been doing string art, specifically this type of art for nearly 9 years now.

I started in 2016 to be precise.

What enthuses you about this type of art?

I think the possibilities are endless, and you are only limited by your imagination. I make portraits, which is my niche, but I also try to infuse mixed media into it this medium. 

I use nails, thread, and then acrylic paint fabric, found objects. But whatever I add, is my strength, my style, and should still not take away, the basis of using nails and thread - string art.

So you are able to experiment with the form?

Yes. As I said you just have to apply your imagination and while you have the basic idea you can expand on that in the same way as with other art forms. But as I said earlier, portraits are what I started off with and stuck with. I also enjoy working with brand logos.

Would you say the possibilities are limitless?

Yes, the basic nails and thread on board is the starting point I have found that I can play around with the form. I do think one of the great things about this medium is that the finished work does give you some form of 3D effect which is quite unique.

One thing I have avoided is putting glass over the finished work because I want people to be able to move closer to the work and feel it, and see the originality, the craftsmanship in it, and see and feel the materials used. That is an important aspect to my work. That people can get close to it, to generally interact with the Artwork. Seeing the web like details.

Are there other string artists who you admire?

There are a couple of string artists around but the one who resonates with me the most is Debbie Smith. Debbie is a London based artist, and she's been doing string art for a while too. While I call this practice string art, she calls it thread art. She uses similar materials, but our styles are very different, and I love what she creates with this artform. Also Nicola Vacaru a very good string art portrait artist.

You are giving String Art classes at the moment?

Yes, we held a free string art workshop at 2 Royal Avenue, a few months ago, basically to alert the public/creativity lovers that this style of art has come to Belfast to stay. And I expect to be giving many more classes in the future.

I also had the privilege, to be invited as part of Late Night Art  at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast. While I was at the event I produced a live stringart portrait of the legendary Van Morrison. And I also produced the Oh Yeah Music Centre logo as well. It was a wonderful experience and it allowed more people to see my work.

If you would like to commission a piece of string art from Toyo, please contact him through:

DM on Instagram @theKraftzone

Phone 07831 731526

Email: toyosiogunlende@gmail.com