Meet Maish the cop artist: a police officer with an incredible skill
Some of Elijah's works on display
Born in a remote village in Nyahururu, Laikipia County Elijah Gakuya Maina, also known as‘Maish the Cop Artist’, developed his love for art from his early schooling years.
He would draw sketches of famous personalities ranging from political leaders to musicians.
“I would also be called upon to draw Geographical illustrations like Maps and other diagrams.”
Maina tells Citizen Digital that his passion for art would however fade in high school and campus. After his studies, the art lover would then join the Kenya Police Service as a constable in May 2017.
The Bachelor of Science graduate from Kenyatta University is currently stationed at Ngong Police Station.
“My love for art was rekindled in July 2020 when I came across an art related video on YouTube,” he added.
“My daily routine starts at 8.am. I perform my police duties and retire to my house in the evening. I immediately get down to any unfinished art orders till late in the night.”
From pending celebrity portraits, to refining some of his previous art pieces, Maina sketches the night away with artistic prowess.
“I believe that art is a way of expressing oneself in a passionate, yet simple way. I found my passion in art. I also found good fortune, as it complements my livelihood.
Maina uses several pencil grades, both Charcoal and Graphite, Blending Stumps, Tombow Mono Zero erasers, Kneaded erasers, among other items. He also uses acrylics and canvas for paintings. He however says the ever-rising cost of art materials remains a challenge.
Keen on establishing an art school in future, Maina is currently mentoring young artists from across the country.
He would draw sketches of famous personalities ranging from political leaders to musicians.
“I would also be called upon to draw Geographical illustrations like Maps and other diagrams.”
Maina tells Citizen Digital that his passion for art would however fade in high school and campus. After his studies, the art lover would then join the Kenya Police Service as a constable in May 2017.
The Bachelor of Science graduate from Kenyatta University is currently stationed at Ngong Police Station.
“My love for art was rekindled in July 2020 when I came across an art related video on YouTube,” he added.
“My daily routine starts at 8.am. I perform my police duties and retire to my house in the evening. I immediately get down to any unfinished art orders till late in the night.”
From pending celebrity portraits, to refining some of his previous art pieces, Maina sketches the night away with artistic prowess.
“I believe that art is a way of expressing oneself in a passionate, yet simple way. I found my passion in art. I also found good fortune, as it complements my livelihood.
Maina uses several pencil grades, both Charcoal and Graphite, Blending Stumps, Tombow Mono Zero erasers, Kneaded erasers, among other items. He also uses acrylics and canvas for paintings. He however says the ever-rising cost of art materials remains a challenge.
Keen on establishing an art school in future, Maina is currently mentoring young artists from across the country.
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