Conversations with the Inspiring Moe Gram

Today we’d like to introduce you to Moe Gram.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in southern California to two teen parents at the start of their sophomore year of high school. My parents were both super into urban LA street culture, so naturally, I became heavily influenced by break dancers, graffiti, and hip hop music.

In 2012, I left home to study abroad in Florence, Italy where I spent six months studying both historical and contemporary European Art. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a special focus Studio Fine Art and a minor in Cultural Studies from California State University Bakersfield in 2014. That summer, on a whim, I decided to move to Denver, Colorado and work in the Lower Downtown Arts District.

In 2015, I committed to a life of making art and talking about art. From 2016 to early 2018, I worked on a lot of different community projects like after-school enrichment programs through Creative Strategies for Change, and community partnerships with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America through Grand Design, Inc.

Currently, I am a sitting board member of Birdseed Collective and I partner with Odessa Nomadic to cultivate the Creatives at Roundish Tables community. I am working on a wide range of both public and exhibition artworks. In general, I am looking forward to future projects where I can find myself expanding my current art practice.

Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. Having faith in my vision as a creative is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Without any plan, I quit my job working with a flooring contractor drafting and digitizing blueprints. All I knew was that: I was miserable, I hated being in a grey cubical with no colors and no windows. My boss would encourage me to work with my earphones in and not talk to anyone. If you knew me, you would know that is not a good fit for me at all. So, decided I was done.

I got a job serving tables for about six months, then I quit that job and told my self that would be the last time I put on a pair of non-slip shoes and that I would be totally committed to a life of making art and talking about it. During that time, I got caught stealing eggs from the grocery store, I did live paintings for free just get exposure and hope people would buy my paintings. I did art shows at bars and breweries and went totally broke spending money on art supplies. I had multiple business partners for collaborative projects, most of which were terrible choices, and pretty much begged people for opportunities.

About two years later, I found myself with steady partnerships, great commissions, and fully dependent on myself. I paid my bills with the money I made from my business and while I wasn’t balling out of control, I could see the light I had been searching for.

Advice for ladies: Have faith in you and you only. Do not assume other people are better or more credible. Your life experiences are what have informed who you are. Always remember that you have everything you need within you, all that is necessary is for you to be persistent, stay organized and don’t give up. When it is hard, it is because you are in training for the big picture, the dream. The struggle is what will prepare you for your happily ever after. Just have faith that you will win if you make the effort.

Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a visual artist who has built a brand that specializes in three categories of business: the production of design and fine art goods, community enrichment, and arts education. I am most proud of the way I have been able to manifest a business that allows to me utilize my wide range of skills while still being fulfilled by the work I do. On a daily basis, I am challenged, growing, and evolving as a human. As new opportunities arise, my ambition encourages me to exceed my own personal expectations.

Many artists view their work or their brand as a business. I think what sets me apart from most of my peers is my dedication to youth and community enrichment. It is important for me to pass along the lessons I have learned and to use the arts to encourage communities to thrive.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I look up to women in my life. I am very blessed to come from a long line of powerful women. My grandmothers and my mother are all so resilient and strong. Their stories of overcoming life’s episodes are great references for how to make your world exactly what you want it to be. Each of them frequently build me up when I am doubting myself, they point out the times when I know I could do better, and they give me grace when I need it. They are models for the kind of woman I aspire to be.

As these words come out, I realize many of the women in my life are that way. My best friend Sarah Smith (a very talented artist) kicks me in the butt when I need a quick life check, my lady artist community in Denver is always there to remind me how much work I actually do on a regular basis, my baby sisters keep me accountable through their value for my existence, the list goes on and on.

When I look back at my adolescence, I was so perturbed by womanhood and often craved admittance into the “boys club.” As I grew more educated on our history as women and came to be more in touch with my femininity, I found so much pride in our offerings as women. We are amazing creatures and so much of this world has us to thank for its ability to function. Even the women who have been silenced by their religions and cultures do so much for the communities without any acknowledgment of their contributions.

Stories of women around me and before me inspire me every day. I proudly bust my butt in honor of this gender identity I subscribe to.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.moegram.com
• Instagram: @mi_moegram

Image Credit:
Portrait Shot – St. James Salsberry, Mural Detail Image – Moe Gram, Collage Painting Detail – Jeff McReynolds, Collage Painting – Drew Austin, Artwork scan – Moe Gram

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.