Ebony Malaika Collier, visual artist

Ebony Malaika Collier became interested in being a visual artist at the age of 30 after obtaining a B.A. in English and spending many years as a poet and working various non-artistic jobs. She took two oil painting classes under Jesse White of Pigeon Arts. Then she participated in “free painting days” at Vivant Art Gallery in Old City and switched to acrylic paints. She competed in Authentic Philly's Battle of the Canvas in 2010 and 2011 in Philadelphia, PA. This was a full day competition of live painting by 20+ artists around a loose theme. Winners were chosen by the public. She currently takes classes at Fleisher Art Memorial and in the Continuing Education program at PAFA (Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts). She has studied under such artists as Bernard Collins, Karen Baumeister, John Sevcik, Anthony Vega and James Dupree.  Her artwork has been shown at such venues as the Manayunk Roxborough Art Center, DaVinci Art Alliance, The Plastic Club, The Philadelphia Sketch Club, The Painted Bride Art Center and other spaces in Philadelphia, PA . She prefers to do abstract art.

Why does she make abstract art? She feels that it best expresses her passionate, chaotic and stormy mind/spirit. Also she said, “Because I was a writer before becoming an artist and if I always knew what I wanted to say and how to say it, I would just write.”

She is fascinated with color and texture.

She is always learning more and will be adding to her repertoire: exploring oil and gouache (again), pastels, mixed media, and collage/assemblage.

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