The Art and Soul of a Man: The Art of ileadbydesign (Ebony Thompson)

Description

Ebony Thompson, known professionally as Ileadbydesign, is a creative pluralist, artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur from Freetown, Sierra Leone, in West Africa. His work, characterized by rich in earth tones and dynamic textures, explores the complexities of the African diaspora experience, bridging the cultural and emotional landscapes of Africa and America. Through his art, Ebony addresses social justice issues, celebrates African heritage, and invites viewers to engage in meaningful dialogue about identity, resilience, and transformation. Specializing in oil pastels, Ebony, whose birth name is Donald Sanusi, has developed a unique technique that incorporates solvents to enhance the fluidity and depth of his medium. His innovative approach often blends oil pastels, oil paint sticks, acrylics, and paint pencils on canvas, creating visually arresting and thought-provoking pieces. A signature element of his work is the interplay of light and shadow, symbolizing the journey from darkness into illumination—a theme many interpret as a reflection of his personal journey between Freetown and the United States.