10 Questions w/Nisha K Sethi
1. Where were you born? Current city or region?
I was born and raised in Berkeley, CA. Still here!
2. Who is the artist or artwork that inspired you to do your first piece on a wall/canvas?
There was a legendary legal wall at my elementary school, Berkeley Arts Magnet. That was probably my earliest inspiration. Also my uncle HERO who was the first Indian graffiti artist in California. He was a major inspiration to me.
3. How many years have you been painting?
Since kindergarten.. Ha! I was always the class artist. But I really started to get serious in high school when I joined a social justice organization at Berkeley High called Youth Together. That was back in 2004 or so. The hyphy era! I was given the role of the Mobilizer and was in charge of bringing people to the protests. This meant that I was also in charge of making protest posters so I had to build my skills quickly. My job was to “make the revolution irresistible.” Initially I began with stencils and spray paint.. Then later I graduated to murals and graffiti.
4. What do folks know you for art wise?
I believe that most people know me as a Sign Painter and political artist. I was always passionate about letters. Graffiti was my first love, then I went to college and studied typography. Finally I ended up going to Trade School to study Sign Painting and realized that was my true calling. It’s been almost 20 years since I painted my first protest poster and I’m still cranking ‘em out! I just know how to control a brush now. All thanks to my mentor Doc Guthrie RIP.
“Learning how to be a Sign Painter was one of the greatest challenges I’ve ever experienced in my life and at the same time something I will cherish forever. I don’t think people realize what it really takes.”
5. What’s something people often don’t see or understand about your work?
I don’t think people realize how much time it takes to paint a sign or the years of experience it takes to be able to letter something freehand with nothing but a ruler and a brush. None of that ipad shit. Most people assume that it’s easy for us because all they see is the end result. I spent 2 years learning how to hold a brush properly and painting straight lines over and over again just building muscle memory. I was up at 7am every day for 2 years breathing in 1Shot and getting chewed out for the smallest mistakes. Studying with Doc was like military school. He ran his classroom like a shop. But I wouldn’t have had it any other way. He pushed me to be my best. Learning how to be a Sign Painter was one of the greatest challenges I’ve ever experienced in my life and at the same time something I will cherish forever. I don’t think people realize what it really takes.
“As artists we need to prioritize our health!”
6. What's your medium of choice? What’s something new you’d like to try in a different medium?
My medium of choice is 1Shot Lettering Enamel. Ain’t nothing like it. However I’ve been slowly transitioning to water-based paints because the 1Shot fumes were messing me up. I’m trying to become more mindful about working with toxic stuff. As artists we need to prioritize our health!
7. Song that gets you ready to work? Song that chills you out?
I AM A HUGE MUSIC PERSON. It depends on my mood but it’s mostly either Oldies or Hip-Hop. Currently in rotation: Jay Electronica, Curren$y, Mach Hommy, The Nonce, Jazz Liberatorz, Tems, Hiero, the list goes on and on! If you have poor taste in music I am judging you right now.
8. As an artist in the game what advice do you give to younger artists in terms of biz, health, relationships, or creativity?
JUST BE AUTHENTIC
9. What’s a social justice or political issue people need to pay more attention to?
Racism. We were barely starting to address it when the movement became commodified overnight. I was ready for the walls to crumble. So far we’ve thrown some stones but I’m ready for the boulders.
Oakland Dreams mural painted with Erin Yoshi, Miguel Bounce Perez, and Vyal Reyes in Oakland in 2018
10. What’s something you’re really proud of accomplishing recently?
Meditation!! I don’t know if it’s considered an accomplishment since it’s an ongoing journey, but I am really proud of myself for prioritizing meditation in my life. Try it!!
Ey, if you enjoyed this little peak into Nisha’s art, life, and wisdom please go check out more of her work at her website: NishaKSethi.com or you can follow her on IG.
And check out the latest goodies in our shop
Or check out more 10 Questions with:
