Art & Soul: Girl Mobb
Art & Soul is Orihon’s Artist Spotlight, highlighting artists within our collective making a difference within their local communities. For our inaugural post, we’re incredibly fortunate to have a chance to speak with Girl Mobb and her 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Graffiti Camp for Girls.
Originally from Cincinnati, Girl Mobb made Oakland her home in 2008. Since then she has contributed dozens of mural-scale public works there and across the country. She holds a BFA in Painting from Academy of Art University, San Francisco.
Can you tell me a little bit more about yourself and where are you from?
I've been going by the name Girl Mobb for about 6 years now. It really came about when I started painting murals with female friends and it felt empowering to be within a woman-centered network, which was and is still somewhat rare in the muralist scene. The Girl Mobb moniker is incredibly meaningful to me and continues to remind me of how I’m helping change this narrative.
Can you tell us a little more about the Graffiti Camp for Girls?
Three years ago, a friend of mine, Deirdre O’Shea, and I started a nonprofit organization called the Graffiti Camp for Girls. It’s a week-long spray-painting class for those who identify as female, nonbinary, or any who don’t fit into the traditional stereotypical male, graffiti artist persona which currently dominates the scene. We want to foster an inclusive community and welcome artists from all backgrounds.
The classes are for kids between the ages of 12-18. We initially started in Oakland but have expanded to San Francisco, Hayward, Berkeley, Petaluma, and San Diego, California. We’ve also done classes across the country, including Ohio, Oregon, and Kentucky. More recently, we also had success at an international level, running classes in Canada, Cambodia and Fiji. The class in Fiji was taught remotely and I got to teach spray painting techniques including character development, and lettering. Each class wraps up with a completed mural and is incredibly powerful for the students to see the fruits of their labor.
What about the Box Truck Mobile Fundraiser?
One of the challenges that the Graffiti Camp has currently is expanding classes to out-of-state areas and reaching a wider audience where the art scene may not be as prevalent. If we think about places like Bakersfield, CA or Gary, IN, these are places where people may not think about art first and foremost. We want to start building classes to develop the art scene within these areas.
However, we often run into issues with logistics around these art installations. For example, when taking our classes across the country, we have to coordinate hosting our classes in a safe area. Similarly, finding a wall and getting permission to install these graffiti installations adds another layer of complexity that makes it hard to align the timing of the class. With the Box Truck Mobile Fundraiser, we could drive to the location and setup class. The possibilities are endless if we don’t worry about finding a wall / place to install the mural and have the kids paint the sides of the truck instead.
We’re partnering with Orihon to help us raise money for this box truck and it seems like a great way to expand the class offerings across the country.
How did you know you wanted to become an artist / muralist?
I always knew I wanted to be an artist but when I first started out, I thought I’d be an animator. I loved cartoons like Rocco’s Modern Life or Ren + Stimpy and their animated, disturbed characters. From there, I really got into street art as a teenager and eventually progressed to murals. The medium really speaks to me as I can take my time to create a larger narrative and work of art.
The idea for the Graffiti Camp for Girls came out of the desire to create a peer group and I really didn’t see a lot of females creating street art. I didn’t think it would take off initially but everything really snowballed after our first class. The interest and support really grew from there and it’s been amazing to see the impact that we’re having.
Neon Reaper - ACAB
Recently listed on Foundation. Proceeds from this auction will go directly back to Graffiti Camp for Girls and their Box Truck Mobile Fundraiser.
Where do you draw your influences from (ex: people, places, things, news, etc.) and how do you continue to stay motivated?
Most of my influences come from my environment and what others are doing in the street. Especially in Oakland, I feel like it’s a mecca for street art and murals. I also keep up with students who’ve graduated the camp and get inspiration from other projects that they’re working on. One of our Graffiti Camp students, Nyia Luna, has taken off and is even busier than I am right now! It’s been so cool to watch her grow.
To be honest, there are big periods where I am incredibly motivated but there are other moments of stagnance where I’m trying to find that motivation / inspiration. I think a big thing that helps me is to continue drawing. Even if it’s something I don’t like, staying persistent and getting into the practice of doing it helps get the juices flowing and my mind working. I don't think it’s possible to stay motivated but writing goal lists and positive statements about yourself is also helpful. It’s important to have balance.
Why did you choose murals as a medium?
Expanding my skill set beyond the pen really opened my eyes and got me into graffiti and street art. I started spray painting using stencils, roller paint, and brushes. I also minored in print making, creating my own shirts and posters that eventually evolved into painting murals. Murals became a big part of my focus and then I began getting commissions and making a living off of it.
It somewhat felt like I was being pushed in that direction anyways. Murals are such a powerful medium as you can communicate these ideas on a large scale and receive public response while you’re in motion painting the piece. While the support and reactions vary from piece to piece, I’m a firm believer that any reaction is better than none.
Likewise, art creation can be such an introverted process where artists do the work at home before posting and receiving feedback. However, when I get to work on murals, it’s a completely different experience in itself that continually motivates me.
Break Free
Recently listed on Foundation. Proceeds from this auction will go directly back to Graffiti Camp for Girls and their Box Truck Mobile Fundraiser.
What does some of the BLM artwork mean to you?
The BLM timing felt like it was an important time in history to be out in public and on the street. I wanted to be a part of the conversation and, while the protests are more important than the art, giving an artist’s view contributed to the conversation and allowed me to express solidarity with the movement.
I wanted to feel connected and help others join in the conversation and be present within the situation. It didn’t feel right to stay at home and be frustrated. It was a powerful transformation to see Oakland go from being dead and boarded up in one second to having the artists coming out and painting, people protesting, and being loud.
Pink Balaclava
Recently listed on Foundation. Proceeds from this auction will go directly back to Graffiti Camp for Girls and their Box Truck Mobile Fundraiser.
What does your artwork mean to you?
Art is always an extension of the artist so my work continually changes as I continue to change and grow. The art that I work on keeps me connected with other people and the community. Many of the subject matters of my work focus on feminism, self-empowerment, spirituality and tackling your own demons.
Hopefully people don't look at my art and feel super comfortable. That’s not the intent. The intent is to feel something or walk away getting something from it. The art is for myself as much for others. It can never be completely one or the other, there needs to be balance of both. I hope people walk away from my works feeling empowered, unified, and connected.
Recently, I heard someone say “art is meant to comfort the disturbed and disturbed the comforted” and that really resonates with me. I want to keep that at the forefront of my mind as I create my next pieces.
Is there something that you have designed that you are most proud of?
As far as individual pieces, first and foremost, my favorite creation is Graffiti Camp for Girls. It’s a project that isn’t really mine… it’s something bigger than myself and belongs to the community. It’s the most important work that I’ve ever done and continue to work on.
That being said, the last piece that I completed sticks out in my mind. It’s in Oakland on Broadway called “Standing Tall Through It All'' and depicts a feminine tiger with polished nails. It’s such a powerful image of a concept that I’m trying to recently embody. It’s not how I feel all the time, I’m a person with insecurities but I’m really trying to reach for that mindset and be the Tiger Lady that I know that I am!
Do you have any “dream projects” that you wish you could work on? Can you tell us a little more about that?
I’m really blessed and thankful that people have interest in what I’m working on currently. I’m still blown away by some of the projects that I’ve done over the years and the Bay has really supported, encouraged, and pushed me. Doing projects with the San Jose Sharks + Oakland Ice Rink and Alternative Tentacles (Punk Rock Record Label).
I feel like I’m in a good place right now, especially through the eyes of teenage “Girl Mobb”. I think she’d be stoked about what I’m doing and as long as I’m impressing her, then I feel like I’m in the right place.
I also want to keep moving forward, doing more graffiti camps and murals internationally like Cambodia or somewhere else in Southeast Asia. Cambodia will always have a special place in my heart. When I visited last, I fell in love with the people and culture. It was the first time that I really had culture shock!
What other hobbies do you have?
Unrelated to art, I’m big on the outdoors. California and the Bay Area have been helpful because of how great the weather is year round. I like hiking, biking, and being outdoors in the sun. Seeing all the variations of nature that California has to offer.
My new favorite spot is camping in Death Valley. It has beautiful seasons within desolate landscapes and interesting geological features. You see things like waterfalls that volcanos have hit, crazy rock formations, etc. I kinda love nature. I also got a truck tent that setups in the bed and have been planning on hitting Glass Beach!
Do you have any advice for artists or muralists who are just starting out?
Always keep drawing and stay on the path. Don’t be discouraged by others if they don’t believe in your artistic dreams. I don’t believe in those voices, you can do whatever you want to do if you stay focused and do the work.
Likewise, write goal lists and work to achieve them piece by piece. Don’t worry if it seems impossible, just go for it. Lastly, don’t let others lowball you. Be bold and ask for more than what you want, you know the worth of your artwork and it’s important to stick to your guns.
