Artist Statement

My designs celebrate the diverse people of New York City, drawing inspiration from my on-the-go subway sketches. These observations of daily commuters are the core part of my compositions, their interwoven forms mirroring the city's intricate density. Through the digital integration of hand-drawn figures and textile motifs, I create visually rich repeating patterns intended to capture a sense of our shared humanity.

Addendum: Remember is a call of action to realign myself with my purpose and to reinvigorate my essence through my visual storytelling. It's a re-exploring of my genuine interests of illustrating people in a way that feels the most authentic to me. In times where I feel like I have geared off track from who I am at my core and how I express my inner thoughts, I look to previous creations and past images of me in childhood. That was the time where I expressed myself fearlessly without accommodating the viewpoints of what others wanted me to be. This show is giving myself the permission to let my inner child run free.

Biography

Ebony Bolt is a visionary digital artist and illustrator whose compelling work explores the rich intersections of human experience and intricate textile aesthetics. A proud alumna of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship for the Fashion and Design Industries and an Associate in Applied Science in Fashion Illustration, Bolt’s distinctive practice is underpinned by a deep understanding of design, form, and market dynamics. Her proficiency in Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator, combined with traditional painting and hand-drawing skills, allows her to create vibrant and detailed designs.

Bolt's art is primarily people and textile print focused, often delving into themes of urban life, community, and cultural identity. Her illustrations focus on connection and place, featuring figural representation and elaborate patterning. The majority of Bolt’s designs are created to suit various fabrications. She has worked with previous institutions including but not limited to the MTA Arts & Design Poster Program, Apple, Google, New York City Department of Transportation and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Dedicated to arts education and engagement, Ebony has shared her expertise in the past as an Art Teacher at Harlem Link Charter School, an Adjunct Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, and an Art Instructor for the Pre-College program at FIT. She has also led numerous workshops and tours, including sessions at the Hudson River Museum,  and New York Transit Museum, fostering creativity and critical thinking in diverse audiences. Ebony Bolt continues to share her art through her intricate designs, in hopes of strengthening an impactful and engaged community.

Website: theboltdiaries.com