Rising Stars: Meet Justin Perry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Perry.

Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am Justin Johnta Perry. I created JUST JENUS ART. It is a visual art business that creates original artworks. I have been a visual artist all my life. I was encouraged very young at home and school to showcase my talent in drawing. I would take art classes as often as I could throughout school but quite often saw it as a hobby.

I graduated from Saint Augustine’s University in 2011 with a Business Administration Degree and it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I believe that I could make an income from my art. I worked in hospitality as my main source of income using art commissions, projects, and collaborations for submental income.

COVID stalling the hospitality industry opened the door for my art career to grow into full-time. I am now currently an art instructor at ARTS TOGETHER downtown while selling and displaying my original works. Through art, I have been able to complete a variety of projects, engage my local communities and be in my life’s purpose

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have faced challenges in my confidence in myself.

Not believing in my abilities has sometimes stopped me from completing work or even taking it. I know I am a great artist. That knowledge can still be drowned out by a negative self-dialogue. Art creation helps me fight. Art is a healing force for me. It has allowed me to face struggles in a way that places me in a power position.

The power of belief. As long as I am drawing, painting, writing, creating, etc. I feel that no matter the road, I am equipped to face any path.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create with pencil and paint. I really like to draw portraits or full-body poses that are striking to me. I specialize in realism when drawing and mixing media.

When painting, it is about energy. I use colors and abstracts in my acrylic painting to take them into a cosmic realm. I love being known for powerful icons surrounded by beautiful colors. I am proud of my portfolio which includes collages, murals, watercolor, and acrylic paintings.

What sets me apart is my perspective. An image of a place or someone can be translated in a variety of ways. I enjoy taking the most exciting elements and using that as a starting point to create original work.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The Art industry is also growing. Big shifts in the art can include NFTs, Zoom creative meet up, and digital media developments such as PROCREATE.

In the 5-10 years, I see art increasing its presence in our environments such as more outside murals, city calls for arts, art-free areas, or public art studios where artists can come and go with their work.

I tell my students often that there will be Art on the Moon and space stations.

Pricing:

• Digital Prints 8.5 x 10 inch $15
• Digital Posters 13 x 19 inch $40
• Commission for original artworks begins at around $50
• Zoom 1 on 1 meetings/teachings $35 per hour
• Photography bookings open for $150 – $700

Contact Info:

• Website: JustJenusArt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justjenusart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/JustJenusArt
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/justjenus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC2r76DKE_cBJLcBJLXwFBA