Olokun Salamu, the “Artist” of Fire Drafting Company
If you notice, I put the word Artist in quotes. That’s because I don’t
call myself an artist. I just look at myself as a man who loves to draw.
I was once told when I was about twenty-four by a woman, “artists
aren’t special people, every person is a special artist”. She was in
charge of an art program at the Wesley Seminary. The school was
offering a spot for an artist in residency. That is when an institution
provides an artist with space and resources to support their artistic
endeavors. I think she told me that so I wouldn’t have an ego about
having some skills. I didn’t get in the program and she never gave me
my artwork back that I submitted. (smile) I took it as a lesson.

Coming up in my teens, I never liked school. I took every opportunity
to stay away and hang with my friends or myself. The only class I
really liked was Drafting/Mechanical Drawing and my teacher Mr.
Daniels. He was a cool guy and a good teacher. Don’t tell anybody but I
kept and still have the textbook. At that time in the ‘80’s drafting was
still being done by hand, not on computers like it is now. We used
pencil and paper and I loved it. For the most part, I was always a B
student in the class. Drafting is also an old school word for drawing.
That’s where the name Fire Drafting Company comes from. Fire
meaning great, amazing, enlightening, etc. Drafting for drawing &;
Company, a touch of professionalism. I appreciate and thank you for
taking your valuable time to enjoy along with me, this great, amazing
and enlightening experience. Peace.

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Sincerely, Olokun Salamu