Ija Charles has painted two murals in Lexington County, including one for the City of Cayce and one for the Interactive Art Park behind State Street in West Columbia near New Brookland Tavern and the Hideout at WeCo.

Her work across the river includes the massive “The Pursuit of Opportunity: Celebrating African American Business” mural along Columbia’s Main Street.

Charles said art has been a form of therapy for her since she was a child, overtime becoming a sense of light, joy, and peace for her. She mentioned that this not only inspired her and helped her grow up, but she also took note of how her art was helping others.

The artist, based out of Columbia, told the Chronicle that her mission statement is painting positive vibes on the canvas of life, stating that she wants to spread joy throughout the city.

“Over time building my brand and my business I found that my new purpose is to just be a light and an example for those that are coming up behind me,” Charles said. “I love that I can put artwork on the walls and kids can see it and be inspired.”

“I need to tell them my story of how I got here because really, if it wasn’t for the city, I wouldn’t be the artist that I am today,” she added.

The “Cayce Wonders” mural was her first mural and her big break, she said. 

The mural, located at 2012 State St., highlights key attractions within the city. Charles mentioned that Mayor Elise Partin reached out to her after seeing a painting she created for the State Fair and wanted a Cayce version.

“I actually was able to talk to people that have lived there all their lives, learning about the things that they loved about the area, learned about the historical landmarks that existed all over, like the brick kilns and the nature parks and just things that I didn’t know were right there,” she said of the process to create the Cayce mural. “I’ve always gone to the riverfront growing up, but I’ve never been in Cayce.”

Her “Full of Life” mural, placed behind picture frames with the messages #ArtOnState and “See Me on State”for people to take pictures with, features smiling children’s faces and the West Columbia Riverwalk and Gervais Street Bridge.

Whenever the young artist starts a new project, she pushes her clients to tell her a story, telling the Chronicle that she doesn’t just want her artwork to be pretty but to have meaning behind it. She will also ask them what the meaning they want the art to embody, such as something they stand for or a story they want the piece to tell.

She then sketches the mural, and once that is complete, Charles uses color to express the feelings and emotions that the story has inspired in her. From there, she puts it on the canvas and uses every ounce of her energy to make the piece.

When it comes to finding inspiration, Charles mentioned that she is often inspired by music, telling the Chronicle that she grew up with musicians. She added that she found a lot of inspiration in André 3000, an American rapper who came to prominence with the duo Outkast, lauding the diversity of his talents..

The artist describes her artwork as colorful, inspiring, delightful, creative, and optimistic.

“I just want you to just have an experience when you see my work.” Charles said.

This article is part of an occasional ongoing series taking a look at public art in Lexington County and talking to the artists who made it.