Shana Nys Dambrot
Grace Oh’s visual arts presence began with a camera, but over the years has evolved into a vibrational healing practice that encompasses photography but now touches on sound immersion, energy work, conscious cuisine, plant medicine, yoga, and other forms of pictorial and physical attunement to nature. Working individually, with groups, online, and in-person in a range of settings from the home to the landscape to the gallery hall, Oh draws on her cultural heritage and soulful California atmosphere to encourage personal transformation in her audiences. Her Moon Mandalas project in particular draws on all the gifts of her path in a series that is part ritual, part nature walk, and part gaia-infused meditation prompt; and her next sound session is live online this Wednesday, offering an uplifting moment of celebration and stillness at the cusp of a new lunar year.
Grace Oh: Moon Mandala
LA WEEKLY: When did you first know you were an artist?
GRACE OH: I knew as early as 4-5 years old. I remember marking up a blank canvas my father had with markers and pencils. His reaction was so elated and supportive of what I had created, it affirmed some part of my little person to know that creating was what I wanted to do in life.
What is your short answer to people who ask what your work is about?
I have been using a self-created phrase ‘Vibrational Healing Artist’ as it feels like it embodies the multiplicity of the work I do — as a Visual and Healing Artist with Photography, Sound Healing, Reiki Master, and Integrative Wellness Chef. The list of what I have been cultivating over the years all works in the field of ‘Vibration’ and ‘Vibratory States of Being.’
Grace Oh: Moon Mandala
What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?
Permaculture / Regenerative Farming and Architecture
Did you go to art school? Why/Why not?
Yes and No. I took art lessons from a young age learning technique in pencil, pastel, and oils. When I found photography, I was a young adult teetering in between committing towards a life path or institutional path. I chose the life path due to financial circumstances at the time and a greater need for freedom in how I learned my skills.
Why do you live and work in L.A., and not elsewhere?
I was born in Los Angeles and for some reason, my particular life path has kept me near and in the city center until the present day. It’s a home base I appreciate coming back to. I have lived in almost all corners of Los Angeles County and each region has its own particular magic and mystery that is a never ending fountain of discovery.
When was your first show?
My very first show was when I was 10 years old. It was a group show my art teacher had put together for all her students. The funny thing about this show was she had made it into a competition with ribbons and all. It was my rude awakening to the feelings of unoriginality.
Grace Oh: Moon Mandala
When is/was your current/most recent/next show or project?
My first Sound Healing Album on vinyl was launched in 2021. The Moon Mandala Project Cards were launched December 2022. The Sacred Temple is a series of live virtual Sound Healing Sessions; the next one is this Wednesday, January 25, 7-8:30pm. In-person group sessions, retreats, performances, and other projects are in progress, with their reveal dates TBA!
What artist living or dead would you most like to show or work with?
Andy Goldsworthy.
Grace Oh
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what?
Yes! Mostly ambient music from the 60’s to the present, and contemporary singer/songwriter music. The list of influences is much too long to list.
Website and social media handles, please!
IG: @graceunheaoh
Grace Oh: Moon Mandala
Grace Oh: Moon Mandala
Grace Oh
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