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Expressing Faith Through Art: A Conversation with Nicole Woodbury and Nnamdi Okonkwo

July 14, 2023

In this episode of Dialogue Out Loud, host Margaret Olsen Hemming, the art editor of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, sits down with artists Nicole Woodbury and Nnamdi Okonkwo to explore the intersection of faith and art. Join them as they delve into their personal artistic journeys, the inspirations behind their work, and how their faith has influenced their creative expressions.

Guest Bios:

Nnamdi Okonkwo
- Born in Nigeria in 1965, Nnamdi Okonkwo’s passion for art has always been a driving force in his life.
- Recruited by BYU-Hawaii for basketball, he discovered an opportunity to nurture his artistic talents, leading to a BFA in sculpture.
- In 1997, he obtained his MFA in sculpture from BYU-Provo.
- Okonkwo’s sculptures of women are characterized by their rotund forms, symbolizing the abundance of life and a profound depth of the soul.
- Even in their apparent stillness, these sculptures embody vibrant gestures.
- Explore Nnamdi Okonkwo’s artwork at namdiart.com.
Nicole Woodbury
- Nicole Woodbury pursued her artistic education at Brigham Young University, specializing in 3D Studio Art.
- Her work has been featured in several juried shows, including the 11th and 12th International Church Art competitions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Additionally, her art has been showcased in the 34th, 35th, and 36th Annual Spiritual and Religious Shows at the Springville Museum of Art.
- Currently residing in North Salt Lake, Utah, Nicole Woodbury lives with her husband and four children.
- Discover Nicole Woodbury’s art at nicolewoodbury.com.

Tune in to this enlightening episode as Margaret Olsen Hemming engages in a meaningful conversation with Nnamdi Okonkwo and Nicole Woodbury, delving into their experiences as artists and how they express their faith through their exceptional artwork.

Links Mentioned:

Nnamdi Okonkwo’s Artwork: namdiart.com
Nicole Woodbury’s Artwork: nicolewoodbury.com