Meet UC sepia Ozjuah | Artist/muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with UC sepia Ozjuah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi UC sepia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
What made me pursue an artistic/creative career was all the love and support I have had over the years and also from all the naysayers that said I couldn’t do it. Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved to draw, paint and make things from out of nothing into something beautiful. It has always been like a form of magic to me. I loved the way it made peoples face light up when I would explain to them what I drew. I felt like my mother, who was the most fantastic storyteller there ever was. That’s when I knew I wanted to be an artist. Painting is my passion and my daily healing medicine.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am best known for my graffiti style depicting fun, free spirited and seductive in nature girl characters called ozjuahzians, whom live in a made up fantasy world. These characters are very distinctive in appearance with their colored striped nylons, white face’s, long spider lashes and pink color around the eyes they represent the many different personalities in society, and possess human/animalistic qualities and titles such as Queens, Warriors and Guardians. They also draw energy from bizarre power animals such as okras, phisazians and widaudi’s. They originally emerged from a sketch and have since evolved to the medium of spray paint to walls around Denver since 2007. It is an accomplishment as a woman graffiti artist because the graffiti art scene is mostly male dominated. It has been a challenge as a mother, woman of color and a minority to pursue a career in art, although it has been by far the most rewarding. A lesson I have learned over the years are to never give up no matter what the challenges are, exhaust every possibility. What I want the world to know about me is to ask what my art means because there is a story and message in every piece of art I paint.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots are in the downtown area because that is the area I spent most of my childhood. There are a few great restaurants in the rino District such as susirama and the central market. 16th street mall is a great place to go see art and street entertainers like the guy who dresses up like a robot. South Broadway is pretty rad especially this little hole in the wall bookstore called mutiny. The art District on santa has tons more art spots and galleries. Red rocks is amazing and a sight to see. They might even have time to relax at 1up off colfax to get a beer and play some old school arcade games if that’s something they are into!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am very thankful for everyone who has come into my life even the people that have only been here for a season or two. I have so many people I would love to give a shoutout to but here are just a few. First I would like to thank my earth mother for all of her encouragement and magic that she has shared with me over her lifetime. A shoutout to Robert Carbajal my life partner and best friend for being by my side on this journey I love you. A Shoutout to my children for being my biggest inspiration. They taught me to live my dream and to not give up. A shoutout to all my art fans who come out and support me each time I paint ,without them i would not be where i am today so thank you. I would also like to give a shoutout to all the naysayers they are the ones who fuel the flames!

Instagram: @ozjuahsepia

Facebook: @Ozjuah.upperclass

Image Credits
Robert Carbajal UC sepia