How Things Came To Be is the third in Nikko Washington’s series of paintings depicting The Old Maker, a traditional, African folkloric depiction of the creator of the universe. Whereas the other two paintings in the series are restful, depicting the female deity in the moments leading up to the creation of all things, this image captures the chaotic, fantastical boom of creation, with all things springing into existence simultaneously. “A lot of different characters from African folklore are in the picture,” Washington says. “The crow, Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox. All of the stories I've read are melding into this beautiful mix of creation.”