Today we’d like to introduce you to Omi Aura.
Hi Omi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Like many artists my creative journey has been quite colorful and winding. As a child I crafted intricate worlds in my mind; bringing them to life via any method I had access to. Whether painting, writing and illustrating my own book — in which I dubbed myself the main protagonist (aka the pink power ranger) — or sketching out characters on my closet door, my flourishing yeet messy creativity was going to make its way out. As I grew older, those handwritten stories on paper held together by string became typed out essays and poems. Colorful globs painted with all the seriousness of a classically-trained artist, trapped in the body of a 5 year-old, became actual portraits and landscapes. Those random closet door sketches? Illustrations, both digital and analog, that younger me would be so hype to see.
Throughout my school years art remained a part of my life, but it was more of a hobby and played a background role. Being a Jamaican immigrant, the classic expectations were in place: aim for something that can make good money. Lawyer, doctor, nurse, etc. Though not outrightly discouraged in my home, art was never celebrated as something that could be viable. From as early as elementary school I had proudly declared I would be a doctor. As such, I put my blinders on and set my sights towards a life of science. The plan was as follows: go to college, study biochemistry in undergrad (which then became sports medicine), head to medical school, and finally, live my best life as a doctor/athletic trainer working for the NBA or with my own practice. Simple…
Except… art.
While taking on the intricacies of the human anatomy, I found myself using art as a way to study. I can attest that sketching each vertebra of the spine in detail will forever etch them into your mind. Over time however, I found that I was more interested in the sketches than actual study. More keen on crafting images of my own, as well as diving into the stories behind the creations of others. This realization led to one of my first big leaps: opting to go all in on studying fine arts in lieu of the medical track. Thus began a messy, but fulfilling journey of discovery and so many lessons. There were opportunities and losses of opportunities, utter heartbreak and beautiful triumph. Even a series of health issues that ultimately ended with me dropping out of art school. Fast forward a couple of years, I found myself in the world of tech. UX/UI design (User Experience/User Interface for those unfamiliar) had somehow found it’s way into my life. It was the perfect blend of practical problem solving and inspired creativity; I couldn’t get enough! I stuck with that path for a while — bridging the gap between companies and clients, meeting inspiring folks, feeling like a bonafide tech baddie — before realizing that I missed my usual modes of creative expression. Procreate hadn’t seen me too often by that point; a physical canvas and brush even less. So I pivoted once again, like I often do. With my iPad booted up once more, and my easel and paints dusted off, I allowed my soul the freedom to flow. This return to the basics brought about opportunities in the form of style evolution, aligned commissions, and a deepened understanding of self that is still, and will forever be, underway.
Which lands me where I am today: an artist that has a few too many hyphens. Though I often just define myself as a “Visual Artist” or “Visual Artist and Designer” to keep things simple. This journey of mine has polished and stretched me in ways I never thought I could or would be by life. Some moments I’m laughing, some screaming and crying; others cocooned and meditative. Whatever the case, wherever my art journey decides to steer me next, I’m in this thing for the long haul and wouldn’t have it any other way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As mentioned previously there were some health issues along the way, namely mental health. For the greater part of my life I felt I was fine. Always did well in school and work, played sports, very involved in clubs and community. Whenever normal stressors of any kind came about I just pushed through cause that’s just what we have to do.
Until around my early twenties.
My passion for art was still intrinsic, but I could barely bring myself to even get out of bed or drink a glass of water, much less lift a paintbrush and show up fully present for class. Life had become dull and things had gotten to the point where it was truly life or death. There came a point when I just “couldn’t” anymore. I would need to either seek out medical help in the form of therapy as well as maybe medication, or risk my life coming to a very drastic end. Thankfully I chose the former which led to me being diagnosed with severe depression, BPD, anxiety, and C-PTSD. It was a hell of a list, but it felt good to finally put a name to what was going on in my brain and body, as well as enact a plan to help myself heal. A few years later I would also discover that I’m AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD combined) which removed a whole other set of blinders and weight I hand’t even realized were hindering me. On the outside I seemed fine — good grades, smart, active, no physical illnesses, quiet kid and not too “wild” — so everyone closest to me including myself didn’t think to test for anything. In hindsight those “normal” stressors were in fact not having a normal effect on me. My mind had slowly been deteriorating due to not having the necessary accommodations it was longing for. So as it turned out, by the time I reached my early to mid-twenties I had been operating in severe autistic burnout for years. This experience was further compounded by the usual ebbs and flows of life: financial struggles, heartbreaks, disappointments, and so on.
Nowadays I have a much better grasp on things largely thanks to simply knowing what’s what. Life still brings it’s struggles, especially when following the more creative path. Some days I can only handle making it through minutes and moments. But being equipped to work with my brain and body instead of against them makes things just a little easier to handle.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As of now I’d say my specialty is digital illustration. However my love for visual and fine arts is infinite, so the more analog mediums (writing, painting, sketching, etc) still remain in my practice.
Lately my focus has been on merging other, more “spicy” and “out there” aspects of my life and truth, with my creative practice and persona. There is currently a zine project I’m in process with (my first one ever!) and am using writing and illustration as a chance to explore the theme of sensuality and how it influences my/our lives.
As obvious an answer as it is, what sets me apart is me.
I’m the only Omi Aura of my exact making. Being Jamaican-born, my specific neurodivergence, the path I walk, and beyond. Therefore the way I approach my work and life will be infinitely different than the next person in some way, even if there may be similarities.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Seeing those around me thrive. Seeing a new, healthier world in all the ways. Figuring out what authenticity means to me in each moment, each experience, and living that fully. Maintaining consistency of character and peace of mind.
When I reach the end of my life, hell, when I get to the end of each week, I want to be able to say I did my best and lived well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/omiaura
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omiaura/
