Born in 1979 in Ascot in Berkshire, growing up all Justin ever wanted to do was be left alone to paint and to draw things. His mum and dad cultivated his interest in art by providing him with limitless art supplies from an early age.
At school he was always getting in trouble for doodling on the back pages of his books instead of learning the subjects. School was always a hindrance for his young creative mind, until he met his art teacher Mr Richard Noyce in Wexham Secondary School, who is well known in the contemporary art world. He won Justin over with his impressive knowledge and taught Justin to appreciate art history and cross-disciplinary visual art.
Justin never went to art college, preferring to learn from real artists, craftsmen, street vender's, market traders, worldly travels, books, and good old fashioned trial and error. All Justin ever wanted to do was to draw, to paint or to create something. His travels have opened his mind to many different paths and skills and allows him to practice a great variety of styles to create his works.
Justin studied and learned the art of the pyrographer in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, he says that he was fortunate to live and work alongside Adam, a Polish artisan who was making wonderful wood and leather maps, for over 3 years he taught Justin the art of "Writing with Fire.” Justin uses fine leather or wood, simple tools and well-practiced fire engraving methods to create his works of art. The works Justin creates are entirely crafted by hand, which makes each piece extremely unique. They are highly decorative, elegant and engaging. Since he uses hand tools, wood and natural leather, each piece is slightly distinct, which attests to its individuality.
At age 33 after years of feeling "different," he was diagnosed as having A.D.H.D and Asperger's Syndrome, now he finally understands his obsessive tendency to draw pictures for hours on end, it is a common symptom of the autism spectrum disorder. Rather than seeing it as a disadvantage he thinks of it as his own special super power and has learned to let the condition drive his creativity.
The Pyrographer
When I was in Rio de Janeiro, I was fortunate to live and work alongside Adam, a Polish artisan that was making wonderful leather maps and he taught me the art of the pyrographer – the art of "writing with fire".
"I use fine leather, simple tools and well practiced fire engraving methods to create my works of art. All the lines and shades are burned into the leather, thus rendering it near impossible to erase or fade. Natural dyes are injected into the skin to create deeper contrasts and sharpness. The top layer is treated with plant solutions to protect the surface against time and insect infestation. Finally, a natural paste is applied to attain a fine finish. The completed pieces can be be used right away to complement any setting, whether it is home, office or a hotel room.
"The works I create are entirely crafted by hand, which makes each piece very unique. They are highly decorative, elegant and engaging. Since I use hand tools, wood and natural leather, each piece is slightly distinct, which attests to its individuality."
|