Today we’d like to introduce you to Ja Tatu.
Hi Ja, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started with graffiti back in high school around 2006. After graduating in 2010, I enrolled at Tennessee State University in 2011 and studied art, where I was introduced to art history, traditional painting, and a broader understanding of visual art. While I was there, I started finding ways to bring together what I was learning in the classroom with the creativity and energy I came from in street art.
One of the classes I took was an entrepreneurship course that challenged me to think about how I could build a business around what I do as a visual artist. Through that experience, I found an internship with Seed Space Gallery, where I was encouraged to apply for a Metro Arts Thrive Grant. I was awarded $4,000, and I used that opportunity to create Norf Wall Fest in 2015.
Norf Wall Fest led to the creation of 12 murals throughout North Nashville that explored local history, culture, and social issues. That experience showed me what was possible through public art and community engagement. From there, I made the decision to pursue my art full-time.
Since then, I’ve continued to dive deeper into my practice, my purpose, and who I am as an artist. My work has become more rooted in storytelling, community, and connection, allowing me to collaborate with people from all walks of life while continuing to grow my career and expand the impact of my work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road.
A few months after Norf Wall Fest, my first daughter was born, so I was learning how to be a father while also trying to figure out how to make it as an artist. I didn’t have a blueprint or a clear path. I was just following what felt right and staying committed to the work.
There were times when I didn’t have any money at all. I’ve slept in my car next to walls I was painting because I didn’t have anywhere else to go. Before I had a vehicle, I used a bicycle to get to project sites and would carry my paint, supplies, and even a ladder with me. There were weeks when I barely ate because I simply didn’t have the money.
A lot of people doubted me in the beginning. People told me becoming a full-time artist wasn’t realistic and that it wasn’t possible. But no matter how difficult things got, I never gave up. Every challenge became another reason to keep pushing forward.
Looking back, those struggles shaped me just as much as the artwork did. They taught me resilience, faith, and how to keep creating even when the circumstances weren’t ideal.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a visual storyteller who uses art to connect people, places, and ideas. My work ranges from large-scale public murals and community engagement projects to studio paintings, workshops, and creative experiences. I specialize in creating artwork that is rooted in culture, history, identity, and a sense of place. Whether I’m painting a wall, leading a workshop, or creating work in the studio, I’m interested in helping people see themselves and their stories reflected in the world around them.
Over the years, I’ve become known for community-centered murals that bring people together and create meaningful connections. Many of my projects involve listening to people’s stories, learning about a neighborhood’s history, and translating those experiences into visual narratives that belong to the community.
What I’m most proud of is that I’m still doing what I love. There were many times when it would have been easier to quit. I’ve faced financial struggles, uncertainty, and countless obstacles, but I stayed committed to my path. Today, I get to show my daughters that it’s possible to pursue your dreams, even when the road is difficult. More than any mural or recognition, that’s what means the most to me.
What sets me apart is my uniqueness as a human being. My work is a reflection of my lived experiences, my journey through graffiti, fine art, fatherhood, community work, and personal growth. I don’t try to fit into a mold or follow someone else’s path. I bring my full self into every project, and that authenticity allows me to create work that feels honest, relatable, and deeply connected to the people and places it serves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Wokethree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woke3/
