My Creative Process
at One One Six Artwork

Every masterpiece begins with a concept. My inspiration often comes from the natural beauty of Rwanda — the rolling green hills of the Eastern Province, the mist above the volcanoes, the energy of Kigali's streets, and the rich geometry of traditional Imigongo patterns.

I start with a "Rough Draft". This is not meant to be pretty — it is meant to capture the movement and the "bones" of the piece. If I am working on a portrait or landscape, I focus on lighting and basic shapes first. I believe that if the foundation of a sketch is strong, the final colors will shine much brighter.

Once the sketch feels right, I move into color theory. This is where the artwork starts to breathe. I study the emotional weight of each color — how deep blacks create power and mystery, how warm golds evoke warmth and heritage, and how clean whites create balance and space.

For Rwandan-inspired pieces, I often draw on the bold geometric contrasts of Imigongo art — a traditional Rwandan art form made from cow dung and natural pigments, featuring striking black-and-white spiral patterns. I modernize these into visual compositions that feel both timeless and contemporary.

Composition is equally important. I follow the rule of thirds, using natural focal points to guide the viewer's eye. Every element in the frame has a reason for being there.

This is where the artwork truly transforms. I transfer my rough sketch into a visual canvas and begin building layers. Every shadow, highlight, and texture is added deliberately — nothing is accidental.

I work in layers, starting from the background and moving forward. This allows me to make changes at any stage without destroying the work done before. A single piece can have anywhere from 20 to 60 layers before it is complete.

The detailing phase is the most time-consuming but also the most rewarding. This is when I add the fine lines, the subtle gradients, and the small cultural symbols that give each artwork its identity and story.

No artwork is finished after the first draft — not even digitally. After completing the initial production, I step away from the piece for at least 24 hours. Fresh eyes always catch what tired eyes miss.

I then share the work with trusted members of our community for early feedback. Their responses — the emotions they feel, the questions they ask — tell me whether the artwork is communicating what it was intended to communicate.

This feedback loop is essential. Art is ultimately a conversation between the creator and the viewer. If the viewer does not feel something, the work is not yet complete.

Once an artwork is approved, it is published on the OneOneSix Artwork platform and enters our unique production tracking system. Every artwork has a Start Bonus, a Target Bonus, and a Speed Rate — all tracked in our custom Mbar (Mille Barres) currency system.

Buyers who purchase an artwork can choose to enter the Mbar bonus system. As time passes, the artwork's bonus grows automatically according to its speed rate — making every purchase not just a piece of art, but a growing investment. My Artwork My Wealth!

Each published artwork is also available for community interaction — users can like, comment, and share their thoughts, creating a living, breathing gallery that evolves with every visitor.

For me, the creative process does not end when an artwork is published. It continues through every comment, every like, every conversation it starts. At OneOneSix Artwork, we believe that art should be accessible, interactive, and rewarding for every visitor.

Our platform was built not just to sell art — but to create jobs for Rwandan youth, to celebrate cultural heritage, and to build a global community around the beauty of African and Rwandan creativity. Every piece I create carries that mission at its core.