Devon Ojas: The Sound Refiner
“I made a commitment to myself early on that I would be doing this until I can’t hear anymore.”
Devon Turnbull is an American artist and visionary whose work spans various disciplines, including audio engineering, graphic design, and fine art. His creative journey has led him to gain recognition in some of the most prestigious cultural institutions and publications. Notably, his work has been showcased at esteemed galleries and museums, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), where his innovative approach to art and sound has captivated audiences.
He was born in New York in 1979. His parents, who were former Transcendental Meditation teachers, moved the family from the New York metropolitan area to Fairfield, Iowa when he was 11. Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a silent meditation technique developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Practitioners repeat a mantra or sound silently for 15–20 minutes, twice a day. The technique is taught by certified instructors through a standardized course, with fees varying by country. The TM movement presents it as a non-religious practice aimed at promoting relaxed awareness, stress relief, personal growth, and higher states of consciousness. However, the technique has been described by some as both religious and non-religious.
Turnbull and his sister received their education at a private academy affiliated with the movement, the Maharishi School. Turnbull recalls spending a few hours a day meditating as part of their program.
His unconventional path began when he dropped out of high school, later earning his GED (General Educational Development Test). At 17 Turnbull moved to Washington State to pursue his passion for audio at the Art Institute of Seattle, where he immersed himself in what he calls “The Science and Business of Sound.” There, he sharpened his skills in reading schematics of audio electronics, gaining the technical knowledge necessary to build audio equipment. He also took a graphic design class, where he discovered a natural talent for visual communication.
In 1999 Turnbull returned to New York, where his creative journey took a new direction. He began producing stickers, T-shirts, and hats decorated with the name “OJAS” a Sanskrit word loosely translated to "Life Vitality." The term also served as his graffiti tag, linking his visual art with a deeper philosophical meaning. This marked the beginning of his multifaceted career, where he blended his interests in audio engineering, graphic design, and street culture into a unique creative identity.
Devon applied his OJAS moniker across various creative fields, including graffiti, music, graphic design, and clothing design. In 2003, he co-founded the influential clothing brand Nom de Guerre alongside Isa Saalabi, Wil Whitney, and Holly Harnsongkram.
For the next decade, while Turnbull focused primarily on fashion, the name OJAS continued to thrive through the sound sculptures he crafted for himself and an expanding community of audio enthusiasts worldwide. Driven by a passion for high-efficiency speakers and low-powered tube amplifiers, OJAS audio equipment is designed to deliver an authentic, natural sound experience. These meticulously engineered products are the culmination of over two decades of experimentation, technical innovation, and deep exploration within the audio underground.
Turnbull frequently traveled to Japan with Nom de Guerre, where the brand sourced and produced much of its clothing. During these trips, he began uncovering the audiophile culture's origins that would eventually become his life's passion. However, it was at a store in Paris known for its vibrant hi-fi audio scene, where he first encountered a sound system that he described as “psychedelic,” a stark contrast to the stereo he had been accustomed to. That moment was a turning point for Turnbull.
“And then, I was sure that that was my path.”
After making a name for himself in the streetwear scene, Devon Turnbull began crafting his hi-fi systems—avant-garde creations he referred to as “Sound Sculptures.” These intricate designs gradually evolved from a passionate sideline into a potential new career path. Using his old graffiti tag, OJAS, Turnbull started producing large-scale, brutalist sound systems known for their exceptional, naturalistic audio quality. These systems quickly gained recognition for their ability to deliver a listening experience unlike any other, blending artistic design with technical precision.
He mastered the schematics and formulas necessary to build high-fidelity audio systems. The OJAS equipment is imposing in its design, delivering a lush and visceral sound that commands attention. However, Turnbull also understood that focus and intention could be transformative when combined with exceptional audio quality. This insight has allowed him to ensure that people truly appreciate the depth and craftsmanship behind each piece of his equipment.
The audio system designed by Turnbull offers an unparalleled auditory experience. It’s as if you’re sitting front row at an orchestra, perched on a barstool in a smoky jazz club, or even inside the mind of Aphex Twin. The sound it produces is truly unlike anything most people have ever encountered.
It's difficult to convey just how distinct this system is from a typical stereo. While a Bluetooth speaker can make an MP3 sound like a flat line, this audio system transforms music into a 3D topographic map, revealing layers and depth that you never knew existed.
As OJAS grew in reputation, Turnbull realized there was untapped potential in the equipment he was building. In 2020, he expanded his operation by hiring two full-time employees and relocating from the top floor of his Brooklyn townhouse to an industrial workshop in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This move marked a significant shift, enabling OJAS to scale its production capabilities.
Today, OJAS can produce about 15 custom speaker setups per year. Although the operation remains relatively small-scale compared to the growing demand for this unique form of hi-fi audio, it has become increasingly robust, reflecting both the meticulous craftsmanship and the burgeoning interest in Turnbull’s distinctive approach to sound.
Turnbull's influence extends beyond the walls of galleries. His contributions have been highlighted in prominent publications such as WHITEWALL, Wallpaper, and FAD Magazine, where his unique blend of art and audio has garnered critical acclaim.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Turnbull incorporated an educational aspect into his project. He introduced a flat-packed, Build-It-Yourself bookshelf speaker kit priced at over $2,000. Alongside the kit, he provided personalized instruction and technical support to his customers through video calls, ensuring they could successfully assemble and fully appreciate the high-quality audio experience his designs offer. The success of the project was overwhelming, and it quickly resonated with a creative community who found joy in personalizing their speakers.
“For a long time, I kind of kept my life as a visual artist and my audio work as two separate identities. Now, I see that very differently. It’s just one creative vision that has guided me in everything I’ve ever done. It’s just me.”
Turnbull's impact on sound culture reaches well beyond his studio creations. His audio systems are featured in several prestigious venues, including Public Records in NYC and Supreme stores. At Public Records, one of his most significant projects, Turnbull showcased his talent for integrating hi-fi sound concepts into larger spaces. This project honed his ability to blend subtle midrange tones with powerful sub-bass, crafting a sound experience that is both immersive and unique.
In August 2024, his work was the subject of a feature in the San Francisco Chronicle titled "For a Summer, San Francisco Was Home to the Most Beautiful Sound in the World," underscoring his impact on the city's cultural soundscape.
Turnbull's ongoing journey of innovation and artistic expression. His work, whether in fashion, design, or audio, reflects a deep understanding of the power of creative synergy and the importance of quality and authenticity.
Throughout his career, Turnbull has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional art forms, merging them with his deep passion for sound design. His work is a testament to his ability to create immersive experiences that resonate visually and auditory, solidifying his place as a pioneering force in contemporary art.
"Music is the most powerful art form. When we think about music venues, we have concert halls, jazz bars, and nightclubs - and those are really cool ways of experiencing music - but a lot of the time the recorded music becomes the masterpiece." - Devon Turnbull
The dichotomy of Ruido.
A moment in the present.
Indulge in the music of culture.
A moment in the present.
Indulge in the music of culture.