First He Paints Them, Then He Meets Them

FIU artist Ephraim James, also known as EJ, with his portrait of Bob Marley. Photo courtesy of EJ.

Guido Gonzalez/Contributing Writer

FIU graduate student, Ephraim James, is establishing himself as an up-and-coming artist by creating art for celebrities and collaborating with a popular clothing brand at the age of 22.

James, better known as EJ, has posed with Kevin Hart, Dwayne Wade and Romero Britto, the Brazilian pop-artist whose style has the biggest influence on EJ’s work.

EJ posing with Kevin Hart with Hart’s book, “I Can’t Make This Up,” and EJ’s portrait of Hart at the Miami Book Fair. Photo courtesy of EJ.

EJ is fueled by both passion and ambition, which began in high school.

“A majority of my commissions come from my classmates,” EJ said. “So it started in high school, then when I got into architecture [for grad school] I utilized some of my college classmates.”

EJ created his own Instagram account in late 2017, where he regularly posts pictures of himself with all of the artwork he does.

“I use Instagram as my portfolio,” he said.

One method he uses to gain recognition and establish connections with clients is by attending celebrity meet and greets in Miami.

FIU artist EJ poses with his portrait of Dwyane Wade with Dwyane Wade. Photo courtesy of EJ.

“I try to do my best to think of an idea that really stands out,” EJ said. “I show it to them and network with other people.”

EJ has experienced challenges in making his artwork noticeable.

“As talented as I can be, if I don’t make the right connections with certain people, I’m not gonna get my stuff out there,” he said.

Several of EJ’s Instagram posts show him posing with celebrities, athletes and artists, along with the art pieces he makes for them.

“Part of an art style I have is creating pop-out portrait paintings,” he said. “I do a series of portraits that incorporate architectural backgrounds and scenery.”

Multimedia piece by EJ. Photo courtesy of EJ.

He also incorporates a lot of what he sees in Miami and its perpetually tropical lifestyle. The means of getting the inspiration for his works, as EJ puts it, “just happens very naturally.”

For his commissions and other projects, EJ is usually approached by someone he knows in person, is contacted through social media or is recommended by word-of-mouth.

He then shows his clients his previous work and he or she send him a picture of themselves for him to begin working.

EJ prefers to work with mixed media. For painting, he mainly uses acrylic and some watercolors.

“My work is very three dimensional and has a pop-out feature,” he explained. “So I utilize mat boards, wood for construction, a lot of recycled materials and acrylic [plastic].”

EJ’s multimedia piece of Romero Britto. Photo courtesy of EJ.

Depending on the size and complexity of the project, it could take days, weeks or months to complete an artwork.

He believes in putting a lot of meaning into his work, as it leaves a lasting impression on someone else.

“The more meaning you incorporate in any kind of artwork, the more it adds value. People notice that more,” he said.

One of EJ’s most meaningful and personal projects was a tribute piece for a father whose daughter passed away several years ago.

The artwork was a portrait of the daughter symbolized as an angel with butterfly wings.

The portrait was given to her family. When they received it, they said it was the most meaningful gift they have of their daughter ever since she passed.

“I didn’t want to make this piece about myself,” EJ said. “I wanted it to mean something more for someone else. That is the whole evolution I’ve been on.”

EJ is now collaborating with the clothing brand, Florida Vibez. The president and owner of the brand, Priscilla Hernandez, is regarded by EJ as a mentor figure.

“She’s also gone through personal challenges and she’s now a successful business owner. If she can do it, so can I,” said EJ.

Despite majoring in architecture and aspiring to design world-class arenas and stadiums, he describes himself as an artist before anything else.

“It’s a God-given talent, which I’m just so grateful and blessed to utilize to the best of my abilities,” EJ said.

Those interested in checking out EJ’s work can visit his Instagram at @ej_361.

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