Gayle Ebose

Photo Courtesy Of Gayle Ebose

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?

At home and I’d say it’s been some time.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?

East London, born and bred.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR PRESENT CITY OR HOMETOWN?

The more you look, the more you see. People have an interesting perception of East London, but once you stick around for enough time, you come to realise it’s not too bad at all. I think, definitely interacting with the community is probably the sweetest thing at the moment. Especially as we see one another more times now than before because we’re all at home a lot more.

WHY ART?

Wow, what a question! You know what, art is the simplest way for me to channel whatever is inside me out. 

WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR TRAINING?

Camberwell College of Arts at the University of the Arts London.

WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED MEDIUM?

 Acrylic is my go-to any day.

WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION?

Actually, conception is a good word because most times I don’t just have an idea and then run home and make the work. Often times the initial stages is a lot about me thinking through what I would actually like to communicate. Even before the thinking stage, I would have a few faces in mind I’m keen to paint, and then a scripture or two mulling around in my mind about joy or contentment or something will tie it all together. I might journal a bit, pray through my idea and then just ask the person if they’d like to be painted. Usually it’s a yes and whether it’s in person or over the phone, we’ll exchange a couple of messages and voice notes arranging a date and time for the sitting.

WHAT MOMENT ARE YOU HAVING?

Good question. Right now, I’m in a place of celebrating my community. Particularly how God sustains His people through times of trial. Globally we’re in a couple of big trials, whether you want to call it that or not – I’m interested in seeing how people like me, with similar belief systems, really do stand in these times, you know?

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

People. I look at a person and I just think, ‘You really were uniquely and wonderfully made. No one in the world looks like you, has the same gift set as you or responded in the same way to the things you have lived through’. When I think about that, I’m no longer just inspired by them but in awe of the God who made them.

WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR WORK?

Just the simple understanding that life is fleeting and that we are vessels with souls simply passing through this life influences my work more than I know. In these bodies we have many life experiences, and I suppose the ways I see people respond to life fuels my desire to document it.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL AESTHETIC?

Oouf! Maybe I’ll set you a scene: quiet room, soft chairs, dimly lit; a few people in the room, but not too many. Chill hop, Lofi instrumental type of vibe in the background with a good bit of base and a groovy beat. Wide leg comfy trousers, turtlenecks all day and my blessed afro standing tall whilst I sit reading a good book with a hot chocolate. Don’t forget the alternative milk and some biscuits, maybe even cake...

WHAT BEAUTY ROUTINE DO YOU SWEAR BY? 

The simplicity of only using soap and water, and always cream upwards.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO OUTSIDE OF YOUR STUDIO?

Writing, reading, thinking.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?

Long, leisurely prayer walks.