Pa Modou Sowe - The Artist

The Artist – Pa Modou Sowe was born in The Gambia, West Africa to the Fulani Tribe. In each Gambian tribe, families have their tribal responsibilities and jobs based on their surname; the Sowe family name is renowned for its artistic wood carving traditions. It is this long history of art from which the good name of the Sowe family has evolved.

After training by my father in the basic skills involved, I have developed my own personal style and vision. I lived in Italy for 14 years working as a professional wood carver and promoting the African arts and culture. In this time I completed much research into and learned from both historic Roman and more contemporary European sculpture and art. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, I took part in a number of carving competitions, workshops and exhibitions in Italy. Spain, Germany, Canary Island and in Queens New York, England and today in Wales
 
In the year 1997 I started teaching and organising workshops in schools and also with private individuals. I put real emphasis on the basic method (imagination) as this is how to learn about shaping wood and also very important in the element of using and handling tools to create finished pieces.

Currently, I am available for wood carving and African design and craft commissions, projects, links and workshops. In addition to the wood carving I lecture on African Arts and Culture. Please click here to see workshops we offer.

To learn more about the Artist Pa Modou Sowe and the history of Carving from the SOWE family lineage, click here