Donald Sanusi

The Art and Soul of A Man. About the Artist. 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 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 birthed 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.