Congratulations to artist Justin Strom, our latest ArtResin Winner! Justin is a mixed media artist based in Champlin, Minnesota: "Most of my work will have a combo of different mediums, or textures, and materials. I create paintings that I bring to life with texture and dimension. My signature artwork is my bubble technique. These raised bubble sit on top of the acrylic paintings."
Does where you're from or where you currently live influence your work?
Yes, in the city I live in we have a park reserve that is my main influence for my nature paintings. This reserve is 5000 acres of woods and trails. Being that I only live a few blocks away, this is where I go when looking for inspiration.
What's your art background? Are you self-taught or did you study art?
Yes, I am a self-taught artist, but I am also heavily influenced by the work of my mother. She was a landscape painter. I watched her paint growing up and this is one of the main reason I think I paint today. She had Bob Ross on the tv all the time while she painted
Are you a full-time artist or do you create around work hours?
Yes, I am a full-time artist as of last year. I signed a contract with Park West Galleries last year and this allowed me to do this fulltime.
What do you love about the mediums that you use in your work?
The epoxy allows me the ability to create dimension and texture in my paintings. Along with amazing contrast. The painting side of things is more of a mental part for me. When I paint my mind quiets and I'm 100% present in the moment. These times are hard to find in this fast-paced world. I try to enjoy every second of it.
How did you discover resin?
I discovered resin about 15 years back when i first started to develop my bubble technique. At first, everything was just painted and had no clarity. Once I found resin it changed everything.
How has resin impacted your artwork?
It has made a huge impact ton my work. It allows me to create a depth and texture I cannot achieve with another medium. With ArtResin, it also allows me to be safe while doing it. When i started with resin, I used the toxic brands not knowing. Let's just say, I got sick a few times.
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
Yes, so for my art I start with the painting itself. Normal process like any other artist. Once I complete the painting, I then apply the epoxy and bubble technique. Then as most resin artists know, we wait and hope that the next morning it looks perfect. It's the worst when you come back the next day and you missed a dust spec, hair, or even the occasional fly that does the backstroke through the epoxy.
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
It's really because I have to. Paintings truly does make my mind calm. It's my favorite thing to do and I'm not sure I'd enjoy a life without being able to paint. It's in my blood.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Funny you ask. I recently realized that my paintings help me see the little things in life. We go around with blinders on these days and we really don't stop to notice how beautiful the little things can be. A common theme in my work, is close ups of certain foliage, plants and other themes. Whether it a close up of a spiderweb with dew on it, or a close up of a dandelion. I try and capture those little things that get passed by unnoticed
What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art?
Great question. I would say my main goal is for them to see something in art that they have never seen. The bubbles are the main medium that really grabs people. Most have never seen art like mine as I was the first to make these bubble paintings. My favorite reaction is when they see it and the can't resist coming up and touching it.
How do you define success as an artist? What does that look and feel like for you?
Being able to do it for a living. That is such a rare opportunity, that 99% of artists dont get to do. I never take it for granted, and I am so grateful for everyday that I get to paint.
What's your favorite resin tip you'd like to share with our readers?
One tip I always recommend is making sure the epoxy is warm. I like to get my epoxy in a hot water bath while mixing. Helps me a ton. Especially in cold Minnesota.
Where do you sell your work?
I sell my work though Park West galleries, other brick and mortar galleries, and also direct.
Congratulations on your win, Justin!
To see more of Justin's art
Visit his website: justinstromart.com
follow him on Instagram: @justinstromfineart
Every month, to celebrate our community of artists, ArtResin will send out a 32 oz kit to two lucky people who have shared the work they've created with ArtResin.
ArtResin: The Original Epoxy For Resin Art.
