Oddobe - Chimezie Onuoha

From the beginning, I wanted Odd Box to reflect and support the people of New Mexico. To that end I’ve reached out to several local artists for contributions to the Odd Box cause. I’ve also asked them a few questions with the hope of sharing their unique (nay, invariably odd) perspective on art, coffee, and New Mexico.

When did you start considering yourself an artist / Was there a moment that it became more than a hobby? I was drawing as early as 4 years old and just kept drawing over the years until I chose to take it seriously around 17 years old. There was a moment during my senior year where a rep for a Santa Fe Art University came and showcased the school where I fell in love with the idea of hitting the road (hypothetically) and pursuing full time artistry.

What are your goals as an artist / What do you hope people take away from your work? I believe my job as an artist is to romanticize existence. To bring a perspective that reminds us there is an awe to the 'everyday'. I try not to be too deep, sometimes I just like making things that look cool. Beauty inspires. 

Is there something that inspires your art? Jesus Christ. He told his followers to be like children. In obedience, I like to bring a bit of a childish imagination into my art.

Tell me about your time in Santa Fe and/or NM / is there something about SF & NM that remains notably special to you? Santa Fe, New Mexico is home for me. There is something about the mountains, sunsets, altitude, and most of all people that I cherish.

Do you like coffee? Any favorite beverages, origins, styles? And/or do you have a coffee story (how you came to be introduced to coffee)? My family didn't really do coffee growing up. I started drinking coffee in college, but later started hanging with baristas. That eventually got me more invested in the culture of coffee. My go to is drip coffee with whole milk. Anything from medium roast to dark roast, and I do love Ethiopian blends.

Can you share a story about the piece you contributed for Odd Box? A challenge in creating it, a meaningful part, your favorite element? Working title for the piece is 'Oddobe'. I liked the idea of having the text hidden in plain sight. I was trying not to make a piece that wasn't too cliche, but hey, the adobe architecture is a staple in the southwest.