Voices: Pauli Ochi, Ochi Projects, LA
pauli ochi
Pauli Ochi is the owner of Ochi Projects, based in the West Adams district of Los Angeles, California.
Pauli Ochi outside of her project space in West Adams. Image by Allie Pohl
Tell us about one show you are excited to present in your gallery this spring.
I'm really excited to present Lilian Martinez' third solo show with the gallery this spring. She recently moved to the desert and has a larger studio. For the first time she's making several big paintings and I can't wait to share them.
What is it about artists that you respect and honor the most?
I think the choice to dedicate your life to being an artist is incredibly brave. I watch the artists I work with balance day jobs and families while making sacrifices to have studio space in expensive cities and invest in the right materials, all to have their visions come to fruition.
Devin Farrand, Carrara Silhouette, Courtesy of Ochi Projects
What is a piece of advice you give to artists?
Keep the big picture in mind and think about your career in terms of something that will unfold over a lifetime. I don't know if it's the right perspective to have, but it's also how I try to think about the gallery.
Tell us about a mentor you had early on in your career and what they taught you.
My dad, who started the original Ochi Gallery in the 1970s, has been my most significant mentor. He taught me about the importance of art, following my instincts, and how to have long term relationships with artists and collectors.
Ben Sanders, Pot 167, Courtesy of Ochi Projects
What are you busy working on right now?
We're busy re-doing the website and about to launch "Ochi Online," which will be an online exhibition space. The first iteration will include works by Lilian Martinez, Machine and Hana Ward.
Tell us about one artwork you love living with and why.
I have a small work by Devin Farrand, who we're exhibiting at Future Fair, in my living room. Its dimension and color are always different depending on how the light hits it, which makes it amazing to live with because it is never the same piece.
Claudia Parducci, Life Lines, Cast Bronze Ropes, Courtesy of Ochi Projects