Nsibidi is an ancient system of graphic communication indigenous to the Ejagham peoples of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon in the Cross River region. It is also used by neighbouring Ibibio, Efik and Igbo peoples. Aesthetically compelling and encoded, Nsibidi does not correspond to any one spoken language. It is an ideographic script whose symbols refer to abstract concepts, actions or things and whose use facilitates communication among peoples speaking different languages. Thinking how we, @nmbello1 and @bisilanoha, could best depict our thoughts, or turn them into ‘art’, we decided to use Nsibidi, as its history works very well with our project. A system of communication that was successful and was born out of the needs and behaviours of certain communities, it was through colonisation and the Christianity that it started disappearing. Again, Western cultures imposing what is good, useful and right. (fb)

Hi everyone! My name is Bisila Noha and I am very excited to take over @dothegreenthing’s instagram with partner in crime @nmbello1. I was born and raised in Spain and after having lived in different cities around the world since I left home for uni, I have lived in London since 2013. I took up pottery when I moved to London and I have been in love with it since it first a ball of clay. In the last nine years of making I’ve gone from making tableware pieces, to more sculpture-based work and to explore other materials. With my work I aim to challenge Western views on art and craft; to question what we understand as productive and worthy in capitalist societies; and to reflect upon the idea of home and oneness pulling from personal experiences in different pottery communities. Through ‘Kindness, Optimism and Community’, the project that Nifemi and I have developed, I have had the chance to keep getting to know myself while getting to know Nifemi. And it’s been a real pleasure! (fb)