#iajm interview

OPIA interview (part one) by Matthew J IAJM: Who is Opia?

OPIA: Opia is my art-alias, nickname, moniker, the name I "write" in graffiti terms. I received this name about 15 years ago. I was a teenager then and had befriended lots of people with whom I had many things in common, graffiti art being one of them. I recall chatting with someone about my initiative to start writing, but I didn't have a name to go by. After trading ideas on names, I finally settled on "Opia," which was the preferred (shortened) version of the full word: utopia. I preferred this because it was a four letter word, therefore, quick and easy to paint. Beside all this, I did take a liking to its meaning, the ethereal quality of the word brought out a longing for the real thing in me. 

This was a time in my life in which I had entered into a stream of intrigue over graffiti. It captured my eyes and by being inclined to art, it challenged my competency to do it. Everywhere I'd look, there it would be; and because my friends then were interested or into it themselves, I had a creative environment to practice my ability.

Fifteen years later, I still represent this name. I've entertained thoughts of changing what I write for quite some time, because the truth of it all is, it isn't all that pretty! I dealt with deep-seated guilt and searing shame. I wanted to escape the reputation that I had caused to fall upon myself. This name became a banner of identity and the life I've lived, all negative. Nevertheless, it is a part of my timeline and genuine history. Old things have passed away, and all things have become new, I am a new creation in Christ (ref: 2 Cor. 5:17). It is a part of my testimony.

Little did I realize as a youth that this abbreviated alias, Opia, became an ideal place I longed for; a little bit of Heaven, a place of peace, sanctuary, rest --- Eden, itself. Not until I opened my heart to Jesus, did I find the strength to finally stop running away from myself and face the truth.

  IAJM: How did you first get involved with graffiti? What drew you to this particular medium rather than say "classical sketching" or gallery style painting?

  OPIA: I had the real-deal in front of me. Exposure to art and graffiti was the norm when growing up in the South Bay Area of Los Angeles. I admired the talent, techniques, and skills of the few murals within the community and I can think back to being about five years old telling myself, "I want to paint something like that!" I'd stand outside of the storefront murals and would twist my neck all the way around to take in the image. The sheer size of the space compared to my little frame was impressive.

It then progressed to rubbernecking as I rode in cars, to glimpse the latest burner, throw-ups, or tags. I'd also look for landmarks, long-time running spots and markings. By doing this, I learned which areas were doused in graff. There were the hot spots which stood temporarily, but received one of two reactions: a round of applause or a fist in the air. There was also the older stuff, especially around the tracks, that I quickly learned to treat as an ancient hieroglyph. Along with what I picked up by observation, I started sketching what I thought was "like" the graffiti I saw. I'd hang out with friends at school, after school, and on the weekends where there was lots of skating, looking at graff mags, drawing in sketchbooks, listening to music, talking about what we liked and such. I was surrounded by many gifted artists and their inspiration rubbed off on me. Their creativity further propelled me into my artistic ventures.

I admire many other forms of mediums and expertise. I actually dabble in a few, but I'm no expert. I believe what drew me to this particular medium was my circumstances (location, personal influences, and sub-cultures) along with my interest for the unusual form of art captivated me. I was an at-risk youth and was balancing on the scales of life. I eventually became heavy on the side of taking risks as a way of seeking attention at whatever cost. My graffiti became about recognition, the more I was "up," the more I became validated by others. The more vandalism I caused, the more my suppressed anger was released. The more improved in style, technique and skill I became, the more pride ate away at my humility. I had no balance and the choices I was making at that time (drinking, drugs, etc.), wasn't directing me to use that talent in productive ways. I was on self-destruct mode, spiraling down, full speed ahead and taking down my creativity with it.

IAJM: Does your faith ever cause problems with your choice in artistic expression; meaning does the fact that graffiti is seen as a crime does that conflict with your beliefs?

OPIA: People have different perceptions about graffiti as an art form. I paint graffiti-style murals with owner consent, all legal. I've received criticism from some because there is a stigma to graffiti, and I can see where they come from. I respect that. However, my intention is not to paint for self and what I write, but for something fruitful. I realize that I have a certain ability to get a message across, and as a Christian, I have to use my talents wisely. As long as I can stay true to that, my conscience is clear.

  I find it encouraging when the positive reactions far outweigh the negative critiques. I believe the content of the work speaks life to people and it sparks hope. Some may receive it openly, and some will reject it totally - both the mural and/or the Message.

  IAJM: It's important to stay ambitious and keep oneself focused. I would like to know what keeps you focused on improvement. Motivational speaker Eric Thomas talks about the importance of having a why (as in a reason why people stay committed to a particular task). What is your why, and how do you keep yourself focused on self-improvement?

OPIA: I focus on Jesus. It may sound cliché to some, but unashamedly, this is my faith and my faith is in Him. As the blind man once said, "I was blind but now I see!" My aim is not on self-improvement, but rather on becoming more like Him; a transformation. It's like metamorphosis, like how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. It's a beautiful thing.

IAJM: California has a layered graffiti community. How do you see the culture in California? What do you like best about the scene?

OPIA: I see graffiti in California as multi-faceted because of the artist's preferences. You have preferences in locations, numerous combinations of "ups" (tags, throwies, and/or pieces, etc.), colors (monotone or wild), type of surfaces, and the list goes on. I've seen interest in it come and go, and come again. Through the decades I've lived so far, I see it as an appetite that cannot be satiated.

What I like best is creative process, from start to finish. It reminds me much of my life, how I'm a work in progress. I also like ingenuity, some can think up really amazing stuff, like structure and flow, color combos, techniques, and others.

IAJM: You're associated with two crews- I.S.I. Collective and GG Crew. I want to take time to look at both crews, so first we'll start with I.S.I: What does I.S.I. represent? What is its history? What is your mission statement?

OPIA: I.S.I. Collective started in 2008; it stands for "Iron Sharpens Iron" which is derived from Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." It is a fellowship of accountable and creative souls who use the arts to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was started in Northern California by "Fasm" to hold Christians that spray painted (which consisted a majority of Gospel Graffiti crew members worldwide) accountable to Biblical standards and encouraged those involved to seek and give wise counsel, which in the long-run, is a blessing. In 2010-2011, the crew leadership was passed on to Wes77 and its main root is in Los Angeles. There are 7 members and all have unique talents to contribute to the mission: Cawst, Fre(e) of Sin, Joey Digitals, Skrybe52, Vox, Wes77, and myself.

*end of part one* 

Part two of our exclusive interview with Opia - dealing with her ties to the GG Crew, the importance of mentorship, advice to aspiring writers, her legacy, and more-  is up next. Get ready, people!!