Chidera Uzoka is a Nigerian Canadian artist based in Calgary, Alberta, with six-plus years of artistic experience. She began her journey as a self-taught digital artist, teaching herself techniques and style through online videos and hours of practice, before recently expanding into oil painting, which is a medium that has allowed her new opportunities and creative endeavours.
Over the years, Dera has created art for clients across the world. Her commission work includes everything from personal pieces to a fully illustrated book, showcasing her versatility and dedication to bringing others’ visions to life. She showcases all of this and more on her social media.
Beyond her artistic talent, Dera is known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity of spirit. Her faith in Jesus plays a big role in who she is and how she creates, and it shows. Those who know her describe her as fun-loving, warm, and genuinely beautiful, both inside and out, qualities that shine through in every relationship she holds, whether with friends, family, or clients.
She continues to grow as an artist, bringing heart and authenticity to everything she creates.
***
Which ’hood are you in?
Currently, my studio is in SE Calgary at NVRLND Arts Foundation. Having a separate space for creativity and growth with such an amazing creative community is such a blessing to have.
What do you do?
I am an artist, educator and creative entrepreneur. I currently run my art business called Dera Art Studio, where I sell original paintings, host workshops and share life and perspectives through my art and socials. I am also a graphic designer and have a degree in Information Design
What are you currently working on?
I am currently painting a new body of work for my next solo exhibition, called “Ada.” The exhibition will be from Aug 21-23, 2026 (find tickets here. “Ada” means “firstborn daughter” in Igbo (my native language), and as a Nigerian-born, Canadian-raised, only daughter of 4, this exhibition works to capture my journey of rediscovering my Nigerian roots while navigating my place here in Canada. Many of the pieces are not only a celebration of the culture that I am slowly uncovering, but they are a juxtaposition of my experiences here versus my cultural heritage back home.
Where can we find your work?
You can find my work on my webpage or my Instagram. Or you can find my work at my next exhibition this August!
