Introduction

Clement Martey, also known as C-kle Art, is a full-time contemporary artist whose practice bridges abstraction, symbolism, and healing. Based in Ghana, his multidisciplinary approach incorporates painting, mixed media, and his signature drybrush technique to create works that pulse with texture, color, and emotional resonance.

Martey’s art explores identity, spirituality, and collective memory, offering layered visual narratives that invite both reflection and connection. With each stroke, he crafts spaces where healing and cultural preservation meet, transforming raw emotion into timeless expression. Let’s step into Martey’s world; where color, form, and meaning intertwine to awaken dialogue and inspire new ways of seeing.

Artist Bio

Clement Laryea Martey, known by his brush name C-kle, is an art therapist who provides a variety of emotional treatments through painting. His works offer excitement, emotional release, and push creative limits, allowing viewers to experience both healing and inspiration.

After high school, he apprenticed for five years under an established artist, honing his skills and developing his artistic voice. Unfortunately, C-kle began his career during a period when the advertising industry in Ghana was rapidly shifting with the influx of digital printing. This presented him with a difficult decision: whether to leave his chosen profession or continue pursuing his passion.

Choosing the latter, he devoted himself to experimentation until he discovered his signature techniques; blending acrylic with bold brushstrokes and charcoal to create striking scenery and unique portraits. Today, his style has gained recognition both locally and internationally, establishing him as a distinctive voice in contemporary art

Q and A segment with Clement Martey

Q1. Can you tell us about your journey into art; What first inspired you to pick up the brush?

The very first thing that inspired me was a burning desire. In my 22 years in the art industry, I have come to understand what Napoleon Hill meant when he said: “The starting point of all achievement is not just desire but a BURNING DESIRE.” That inner fire has always been the driving force behind my work. It is what pushes me beyond challenges and keeps me rooted in this journey of creativity.

Q2.  How did growing up in Accra shape your artistic vision and creative identity?

Growing up in Accra taught me a lot about talent and focus. I noticed that many people had multiple talents, but most chose to focus on one without much struggle. This observation challenged me to embrace art fully, even though I was also good at football and other activities. I realized painting came naturally to me; it never felt like a struggle. It refreshed my soul, gave me joy, and shaped my identity as an artist with a clear path.

Q3. Who or what would you say has been your greatest influence as an artist?

I cannot say it was just one person who motivated me. I have learned from anyone and anything that adds value to me. Every encounter, every observation, and every experience has inspired me in some way. From fellow artists to everyday people, I believe there is always something to learn if you open yourself up to it.

Q4. Your works often reflect bold colors and emotional depth. How did you develop your signature drybrush technique?

My signature style came by feeling and exploration. As an art therapist, I always say: “If you want to create, then you have to play.” Those who play with hues, textures, and forms discover new worlds of expression. I experimented freely, and through play, I found my bold brushstrokes, use of acrylic, and incorporation of charcoal. Over time, this exploration evolved into a recognizable signature that carries both energy and emotion.

Q5. Could you walk us through the creative process behind some of your works, like “Inner Peace” or “Your Mental Picture Matters”?

The process behind Your Mental Picture was deeply spiritual. The idea came to me during a sermon. I sat down and asked myself how I could visually communicate this message to the world. I finally chose a figure expressing emotional depth; something that could speak to every soul.

After sketching, I played around with colors until the message became clear. At some point, I realized I was not “finished,” but the work already carried its meaning. I stopped there because I believe, as I often say: “A passionate work does not always need perfect finishing.” That piece, though unfinished, became powerful and healing; carrying wings that touch lives across the globe.

Title: Your Mental Picture Matters

Click to buy:

https://tribbbal.com/post/10752_your-mental-picture-matters.html

Q6. Cultural identity is strongly reflected in your art; how do you weave Ghanaian heritage and everyday life into your pieces?

Ghanaian heritage is part of my everyday life, and because I paint not just for beauty but to touch lives, I draw heavily from it. I use scenes that easily communicate messages, awaken memory, and reflect lifestyles of the people I belong to. My heritage grounds my work, reminding me that art is not just for decoration but for connection, storytelling, and healing.

Q7. If someone encounters your art for the first time, what do you hope they feel or take away?

Anyone seeing my work for the first time should feel emotional healing, especially if they are a lover of art. Healing is my ultimate goal as an art therapist. Through my paintings, I provide a variety of emotional treatments; excitement, release, reflection, and peace. While I cannot share everything here today, I can say confidently: my art is created to touch hearts, refresh souls, and open minds.

Q8. What projects are you currently working on, and what should we look forward to from C-kle Art?

I am currently working on a series titled What Saith the Mind? This body of work explores human facial expressions as a form of nonverbal communication. Just as words speak, so do faces; revealing what goes on in the mind. Through these works, I want to highlight emotions and thoughts that are often unspoken, teaching people to understand one another better. This project is large and ambitious, and I am praying for a manager to support it because I believe it has the power to heal the world.

Q9. Do you see yourself expanding into other mediums or collaborative art forms in the future?

I see myself expanding as long as I continue learning, training, praying, and staying consistent. The journey of art is one of growth, and with discipline and faith, I believe my work will reach even greater audiences worldwide.

Q10. Finally, what message would you like to leave with young and emerging artists across Africa and beyond?

To young and emerging artists in Africa and beyond, my message is simple: “Don’t forget why you started. Anytime your WHY becomes clearer, your offering becomes magnetic.” Never lose sight of your purpose, because it will guide you through challenges and make your art truly impactful.

Title: Inner Peace

Click to buy:

https://tribbbal.com/post/10746_inner-peace.html

Conclusion

Through resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to emotional healing, Clement Laryea Martey, (known as C-kle) has carved a unique path in the art world. His work transcends aesthetics, offering not just visual delight but also therapeutic release, cultural reflection, and soulful connection. From Accra to the global stage, C-kle continues to remind us that art is more than what we see; it is what we feel, heal from, and carry with us long after the canvas fades from view.

To learn more about Clement Martey, please visit his profile: