Featured Artist Ejiwa “Edge” Ebenebe

Artist Ejiwa “Edge” Ebenebe creates fantastical portraits using acrylic and digital mediums. Visit her website to see more of her colorful imagery.

 

 

Whimsical fairy tales and ethereal folk tales have always been a part of my life. From a young age, I found myself drawn to otherworldly beings and places. That fascination became the basis of my creative interests throughout my life so far.

 

 

I remember my parents bringing me all sorts of books—from children’s fairy stories to educational volumes—to encourage my curiosity and feed my imagination. The inquisitive spirit they nurtured in me has only grown since then. It has led me down the creative, explorative path I now follow.

 

 

Being an immigrant has also had a significant influence on my view of the world, and the focus of the work I create.

 

 

I’m of Nigerian descent, but grew up in a few different places outside of my parent’s homeland. This experience has shaped my perspective of the world in ways for which I am forever grateful. It has introduced me to new cultures and ways of thinking that I would never have encountered otherwise.

 

 

Those influences have manifested themselves in my work in varying ways, from the subject matter and colours I love, to the shapes and textures I use. Even seemingly standard elements like the really bright sunlight present in a lot of my works are formed from echoes of memories I have of places I grew up in. At present, I reside in British Columbia, Canada. The experiences and visuals I am encountering here continue to shape my creative voice and aspirations.

 

 

I currently explore both digital and analogue mediums in my work, with the latter being a more recent venture. Both of these arenas offer very unique and valuable benefits. I’m constantly discovering more about them.

 

 

In my digital work, I am especially excited that I’m able to explore perfect symmetry. This has been incredibly fascinating to me over the years, although I’ve not yet found the words or understanding to explain why. I do know that it is endlessly calming and soothing, and I’m always excited to learn that this is the case for others, too.

 

 

My traditional work, on the other hand, counteracts a gap I feel with digital mediums. The tactile, visceral feeling of a medium in my hands is something I am continuously drawn to. Moving into more sculptural work has been a turning point for me. There’s something connective and meditative about the process that draws me endlessly into it.

 

 

Overall, I seek to add to the positive, joyful representation of Black people in artwork. While fantasy has always held a dear place in my heart, I remember noticing at a young age that a majority of it wasn’t made with people who looked like me in mind. That realisation was a difficult one to absorb growing up. I came to understand that I have the small power to create work that counteracts this lack of diversity in the fields I’ve come to love so much.

 

 

I hope that my work can, in whatever small way, help Black children and adults alike feel seen, loved and appreciated. I also hope that my work can bring positivity and happiness to whoever may come upon it. To be able to offer a brief escape from life’s pains and stresses would be such an honour.

 

Artist Ejiwa Ebenebe invites you to follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Patreon.

 

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