Today we’d like to introduce you to Jai Malik.
Jai, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an infatuation with color. This infatuation later evolved into an intense love for art. It started off with drawing simple cartoons and I was pretty good at recreating the characters I would see on tv. This was in the late 1990’s and one of my favorite shows at this time was Dragon Ball Z. In turn, I began creating my own anime characters which continued for some years until one spring break in during high school. I went on vacation with my mom and aunt to their hometown, Oakland California. My trip to the bay area broke the mold in my mind about the limitless potential of artistic expression. While they’re in the bay, I remember most vividly the street art and graffiti plastered virtually everywhere. The trip really opened my mind to artist’s various styles and use of color. It was at this point I was hooked on graffiti and creating tags of my name so spray paint became my choice of weapon so to speak. Long story short, I continued drawing and experimenting with various mediums well into undergrad at The Prairie View A&M University and it was here that I really began to come into my own as a creative. My work started to change and I decided to stamp myself as a legitimate artist. From there, the brand Original Guru Global was born.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One thing I know about myself is that I can be very self-critical, so naturally there have been some challenges. In particular, one challenge was overcoming comparing my artwork with that of other artists, some whom may have been farther along or more developed in their style of creativity. I had to learn not to compete and walk in truth and fall in love with the nature of my own creative process. In short, I had to learn to just have fun with it free of judgment.
Another challenge with starting a small business and branding an art label was solidifying a direction and target market to sell my work to. It hasn’t always been easy but those trials and challenges brought me back to my statement about living my truth and staying true to my creative process, which happens to be what Original Guru is all about. The challenges ultimately built character and brought originality to the brand. I wouldn’t trade in the experience for all the material in the world.
Please tell us more about your art.
Original Guru Global was born from a need set myself apart and be original in my approach to creativity. The word Guru is defined as a teacher or guide from darkness into the light. The approach I took was to create images and symbolism the will aid in one’s spiritual ascension, spark introspective thought and conversation. In my perspective light and color is synonymous to the multidimensionality of consciousness. There is a field of study in science called Chromotherapy which deals with the effect and impact of light on one’s psychology and subconscious mind. Chromotherapy is the science of using colors to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony. Each color possesses frequencies of a specific vibration, and each vibration is related to different physical symptoms. For example, in today’s fast-paced world it can be easy to get caught into the rigamortis of balancing work so I like to use the example of when taking a break from that runaround to go outside, look at the blue sky and have a few deep breaths. This has a definite calming effect because of the sky’s cool blue. It is this energy I have harnessed in order to allow the viewer of the art to feel the subtle light vibrations on their overall consciousness.
I can honestly say I am proud of the whole process and how far I’ve come as an artist. I am also proud to have a support system of like-minded thinkers and people that have shown genuine love along the way. Creatively I am most know for my unique spray-painted images. I have also grown the brand, integrating art and fashion by creating a clothing line. I have showcased my art at venues such as The African American Museum at Fair Park South Dallas and The Gas Monkey Live for the RAWARTISTS showcase. Many times I am still taken back by how well my work is received by other artists and art enthusiasts. I am excited about what’s to come in the future so stay tuned. I believe what truly sets my work apart from others is the love, energy and vibrancy I bring to the world through COLOR. Our brand statement here at OGG is to invoke excellence by crafting very special art and unique garments that embody a culture of royalty, timelessness & individuality for the Nu Millenia.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a quaint suburban home near Duncanville Texas, my mother and I. I can say I was fairly quiet child that kept to myself for the mostly but very curious and mischievous. Like I mentioned I have always been into to arts, I have always enjoyed science, I played sports, spent much time outside with friends, digging up rocks, normal youthful activities for the most part.
Pricing:
- Original Paintings: $111-$333
- Prints: $20
- Clothing: $20 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: ogregalia.com
- Phone: 2148780494
- Email: originalguruglobal@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ogregalia, Personal IG: @jaibeez_
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