​The Many Phaced God: An Interview with Samuel Blankson

 

​The Many Phaced God: An Interview with Samuel Blankson

​Section 1: The Artist and the Persona

​Q1: The Name and the Vision: Your artistic identity, TheManyPhacedgod, is powerful and evocative. What is the core philosophy behind this name? How does it reflect the art you create?

Ans: ​I don’t always know how I feel, but it’s never the same. Some days I feel like an idiot; other days I don’t. I just know instinctively that I am like water. I believe in dynamism, representing time, and the fact that we are ever-changing.

​Q2: Defining the Style: Your work is instantly recognizable, with intricate layering and intense detail. If you had to define your unique aesthetic in just one sentence, what would you say?

Ans: ​I’m more interested in taking what’s inside my brain and putting it outside so I can stop thinking about it. Style puts creativity in a box; just create—whatever your signature is, that is your name. I just do things. I’m a human; if something motivates or inspires me, I’ll find my way. My motto is simply: "Shut up and work."

​Q3: The Ghanaian Connection: You often feature the Fawohodie symbol (freedom) and draw inspiration from Ghanaian culture. How does your heritage shape your visual language?

Ans: ​This heritage is what gives me freedom. I don’t have a collective name for what I’m doing, but this is joy to me. I am the muse for anything that wants to come through. These symbols are like data or codes for expressing and teaching what my ancestors had for the world. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. I actually turn the Fawohodie symbol upside down so it looks like an hourglass: the clock is ticking, so do whatever you want.

​Section 2: Process and Technique

​Q4: Digital Meets Physical: Your process begins digitally and evolves into a physical piece using oil pastels and acrylics. Why is this blend important to your final product?

Ans: ​I didn't start making art digitally. I grew up with physical tools until 2019, when Ian Quhachi introduced me to digital work. I simply blended the two. It is an evolving process; it is not "done" yet.

​Q5: Layers of Meaning: Are your layers purely aesthetic, or do they represent facets of identity, time, or experience?

Ans: ​I don’t know how my expression will end up. It’s like I’m carried away by whatever I feel. Until I’m finished or satisfied, I just move with the flow. The core idea remains key, yet I will break any rule to satisfy my vision.

​Q6: From Idea to Canvas: Walk us through the first spark of inspiration. What comes first: the person, the symbol, or the emotion?

Ans: ​Life, people, words—everything I connect with inspires me. I actually spend more time thinking about the piece than physically working on it. Sometimes a piece looks unfinished, but that just marks the end of a specific emotion, feeling, or material. I experiment and move on to the next character. Making art is like making food: once you start working only to please others, you lose your soul.

​Section 3: Inspiration and Interpretation

​Q7: Elevating the Mortal: You focus on painting "mortal men as God-like entities." Why do you imbue modern figures with this transcendent, ancient quality?

Ans: ​The name "TheManyPhacedgod" is self-explanatory; I am a temporary existence. I can change my name just as I change my art. When I connect with music or anything that inspires me, I paint my emotions away to give those figures that energy.

​Q8: The Power of Portraiture: Why is the profile view your primary focus? What does it communicate that a full-face portrait might not?

Ans: ​I like to look into the eyes of people. Portraits say a lot but they can't talk, so I add the things I think about when I look at an image. It’s my way of saying, "Here’s what I thought while looking at you."

​Q9: The Role of Color: Do you assign specific emotional or cultural meanings to your color palettes?

Ans: ​Whoever assigned specific meanings to colors is a manipulator! Sometimes I use a color to mean something; other times, it’s simply what I have left or what looks beautiful to me in the moment.

​Section 4: Reflections and Future

​Q10: An Unforgettable Moment: What has been the most impactful reaction you've received to your work?

Ans ******​(No answer provided)***

​Q11: The Next Phase: What themes or techniques are you currently experimenting with?

Ans: ​Whatever I want to touch, I do my best. I will create until I stop breathing. Time will tell.

​Q12: Advice for Creatives: What is the most important piece of advice for artists struggling to define their style?

Ans: ​Drink more water in addition to your addictions! Style is YOU. Just be consistent. You can’t be cloned—anyone trying to copy you is just a fake. Believe in your own evolution.