Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Coelho.
Justin, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Born in Miami to a Latvian mother and a Brazilian father. Raised in Indianapolis with roots in the underground hip-hop and graffiti scene. Attended college at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Currently working at DangerPress (screenprinting boutique). Looking to venture into the fine art scene as well as editorial illustration markets.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My first passion is drawing. I have always loved drawing from real life, capturing and rendering light and shadow to create the three-dimensional form. With a strong foundation in fundamental drafting I ventured into watercolors. Once I got comfortable with my watercolor technique I started using my drawing skills to compose visually striking images that are brought to life with the paints. Watercolors are an unforgiving medium and I really enjoy that challenge. It’s a test to my patience and focus.
As far as my intention with my work, I like to explore the unknown. Driven by my admiration for surrealism and abstraction I imagine new forms or beings that represent the metaphysical characteristics of this reality. Themes of psychology, chaos, and astronomy are present in my work as well. I love art that takes a journey into new and mysterious territory, that’s what makes me FEEL. That is what I hope to give the viewer, a feeling of excitement and wonder as I explore the mysteries of our shared world.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I can’t really speak for everyone but through my own experiences and from what the statistics say, depression is a BITCH. Mental health is a big factor when it comes to creating and having a thriving community with opportunities to come together as artists can really help. When I’m not around other artists for too long I tend to become a recluse and spiral into unhealthy habits. Naturally in the digital age we become isolated, so I think more face to face interactions are a healthy way to overcome this fog of depression that we face as a society.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My website is www.justincoelho.com
Instagram is @justincoelhoart
There is a link to my etsy site in my bio.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justincoelho.com
- Phone: 317-457-7845
- Email: justincoelhoart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @justincoelhoart
Image Credit:
Justin Coelho
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