Portal into the Mind of Joshua Mays: Art, Legacy, and Inner Worlds
In a world increasingly dominated by quick content and fleeting attention, Joshua Mays reminds us that mastery still lies in devotion. In a recent episode of Urban Artist Talk, hosted by Andre Jamora, the two dive deep into the long-haul journey of artistry, legacy, and the ever-expanding universe of Mays’ creativity. From murals that sparked awe in Washington D.C. to an entirely fictional world called Ogaruth, Mays isn't just painting—he's worldbuilding.
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“Talent is just doing something over and over... and not getting tired of it.”
Both Andre and Joshua shared common roots in Philadelphia’s iconic Mural Arts Program, a place where dreams often met delay. Despite the intense competition, Mays found his footing through perseverance. Working as an assistant, stealing quiet hours in airports to sketch, and feeding his vision with inspiration from comic books, architecture, and jazz, he developed the stylized flow that now defines his visual language.
Their shared admiration for Philly’s Mural Arts scene highlighted how public art programs, when executed well, can foster not only artistic expression but also cultural identity. “Philadelphia has more murals than any city in the country,” Mays recalls being told by everyday residents—testament to the city’s branding success.
Welcome to Ogaruth: Portals to a New Realm
As the conversation turned toward legacy, Mays revealed the heart of his current creative pursuit—Portals, a series of immersive exhibitions set within the fictional city of Ogaruth. Combining the names of his grandmothers, the city is a realm where his characters, stories, and visual styles converge.
“Portals 001 and 002” brought his illustrations to life in galleries, while Portals 003 took a more interactive approach—scattering mysterious "spores" on utility boxes throughout Oakland, inviting the public into a real-world scavenger hunt guided by his character, Montrose Calut.
The project not only gamifies public art but acts as a gateway to animation, gaming, and possibly even VR.
“This would be a dope-ass video game,”
Mays jokes—but he's serious. His ultimate goal? To transition from murals to an intellectual property empire blending storytelling, worldbuilding, and next-gen tech.
Visionary Engine & The Role of Struggle
Mays describes his brain as a “visionary engine”—constantly turning sensory input into creative output. Whether it’s a jazz tune, a shadow cast by the sun, or a conversation overheard, everything becomes potential raw material.
The two artists also touch on the necessity of struggle—not as romantic suffering, but as a form of discipline and resourcefulness. “Sometimes not having all the supplies makes you find your voice faster,” Mays says. Drawing on stolen printer paper and budget pens helped him develop his signature flowy, labyrinthine pen-and-ink style.
Reparenting the Inner Child
In one of the most moving parts of the conversation, Mays shares a personal creative ritual: sitting with his younger self. By visualizing a 13-year-old version of himself during moments of insecurity, he heals past wounds while nurturing confidence.
This self-reflective practice underscores a larger theme of the talk—the need for artists to care for their mental and emotional wellbeing.
"Safety, confidence, and connection—those are vital tools for creativity," he says.
AI Art & the Artist's Future
When asked about the evolution of AI in art, Mays responds with enthusiasm, not fear. For him, AI is a powerful tool, especially for independent artists. Rather than threatening his vision, AI democratizes production. “It arrived just in time,” he says, explaining how the cost of animating his universe dropped dramatically thanks to AI tools.
Mays sees the future not as a threat, but as an expansive playground—where imagination, tech, and community intersect.
From Urban Walls to Digital Worlds
What’s next for Joshua Mays? Everything. With dreams of an agency that helps other artists turn their work into animated series or games, he envisions a Bay Area art scene that can rival Atlanta or even Hollywood.
His journey is far from over—and for fans of deeply imaginative, heart-fueled art, that's good news.
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