Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Brooks
Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For those that aren’t familiar with me or my work, my journey into painting began in the rural landscapes of Upstate New York, where I spent my early years. Surrounded by fields, farms, and the vastness of nature, I lived in relative isolation, with only a handful of neighbors scattered across miles. This solitude left me with plenty of time to imagine and create, so I turned to drawing as a means of exploring the world around me. For a young child with limited external distractions, drawing became my primary way to connect with my surroundings, and soon it evolved into something much deeper.
Nature, particularly the sprawling farmland that enveloped my home, became the centerpiece of my creative efforts. I was captivated by the idea of reimagining these familiar scenes—endlessly sketching overhead views of barns, cornfields, and pastures. I’d rearrange them on paper, experimenting with different layouts and placements as if I were designing my own idealized landscape. This obsession with order and control within my drawings became a comforting outlet.
As I grew older, drawing became much more than a pastime; it transformed into a sanctuary of solace. My life at this time was often turbulent, and in those moments of chaos, my sketches became a haven where I could find peace. I would lose myself for hours, lost in the intricate details of my drawings, as if each stroke of the pencil was a step toward reclaiming control over the world I inhabited, as well as a distraction from it. This obsessive process, where every mark was deliberate and exact, helped forge the rigorous work ethic that now defines my artistic practice. Through this intimate dance with my art, I not only found stability but also built the foundation of my creative journey.
When I entered high school, I began experimenting with painting, starting with acrylics. I enjoyed it, but at the time, I saw a future in architecture, which seemed like a logical blend of creativity and practicality. After high school I enrolled in the architecture program at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that my true passion lay elsewhere. The structured environment of architecture didn’t align with the freedom and expression I longed for, so I made a pivotal decision to change my major to painting.
My initial foray into oil painting was a struggle fraught with frustration and confusion. The basics—color theory, value, and perspective—felt like insurmountable barriers, leaving me grappling with works that were often muddled and unclear. This was particularly disheartening for someone like me, who had always relied on precision and control in my art as a coping mechanism in life. The frustration of not achieving the clarity I desired was deeply unsettling. But surrender was not an option. I immersed myself in studying the techniques of the Old Masters, like Caravaggio and Da Vinci, whose masterpieces had always inspired me. I spent countless hours wandering through the halls of museums like the Met and the Frick, poring over their works in an attempt to unlock their secrets. This intense period of study and practice became a quest to understand and replicate the methods that had so captivated me. Despite the initial setbacks, my resolve to master the craft never wavered, and it was through this relentless pursuit that I began to find my own path in oil painting.
After graduating, I spent several years balancing part-time work as an art handler with my dedication to painting. This period was marked by experimentation—trying different techniques and approaches to see what resonated with me. I made significant strides, but I still felt that there was more to learn, more to refine. That’s when I discovered the painting program at the New York Academy of Art. Enrolling there from 2017 to 2019 was a transformative experience. The instruction I received was exactly what I needed—intensive, hands-on training that deepened my understanding of oil paint, color, and composition. I learned how to construct a painting from the inside out, using a systematic approach that has since become central to my work.
With this newfound knowledge, I set up my own studio and committed myself fully to creating new pieces. Each painting became a new challenge, an opportunity to push the limits of what I could achieve. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, though a difficult time for many, offered me an unexpected gift—the chance to focus entirely on my art. During the lockdown, I spent every day in my studio, honing my skills and exploring new ideas.
As the world began to open up again, I had the opportunity to showcase my work at several prestigious NYC galleries, including Stone Sparrow NYC, Christie’s, Dacia Gallery, and the New York Artists Equity Association. I also began offering my pieces through Sugarlift Gallery in Chelsea. These experiences not only allowed me to share my artistic vision with a broader audience but also opened up and broadened my own ideas for my work, expanding my creative horizons in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Connecting with a diverse community of talented artists has been incredibly enriching, offering new perspectives that have informed my approach. Each exhibition has marked a significant milestone in my journey, helping me refine my skills and deepening my understanding of my craft. What once seemed like a daunting challenge has now evolved into a structured, methodical process that I can lean on as I approach and experiment with each new piece.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful for the path I’ve taken. Every challenge, sacrifice and setback has shaped me into the artist I am today. The experiences I’ve had, both good and bad, have given me unique insights that I can now share through my art. As I look to the future, I’m excited about the endless possibilities and the new directions my work might take. I wouldn’t change a thing, because each step along the way has brought me to where I am now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Creating art demands an immense amount of time, often consuming nearly all of my spare moments, especially while holding down a part-time job as an art handler. The concept of work-life balance is practically non-existent for me. Art is not just a job but a way of life, and it seeps into every free minute I have. The dedication required to produce meaningful work means that my studio becomes my second home, and the hours I spend there often extend late into the night. While this commitment is essential for my growth as an artist, it leaves little room for anything else, making the balance between work and personal life a constant struggle.
This imbalance inevitably leads to sacrifices, particularly in terms of time spent with friends and family. I’ve often thought about how different my life would be if I had chosen a more conventional career path, like becoming a lawyer or a hedge fund associate. In those roles, I could have enjoyed the luxury of a 9 to 5 job where I could “turn off” when I clock out and fully engage in life outside of work. As an artist, however, there’s no real “turning off.” My mind is constantly occupied with ideas, and even if I had the time, I’d likely choose to spend it painting. Art is how I’ve learned to process my thoughts and emotions, and it’s become my primary way of reflecting on my place in the world.
In recent months, I’ve come to see that being an artist is akin to a relentless process of self-evaluation. Initially, my work was deeply intertwined with my own compulsions and thoughts, serving both as a means of coping with the intensity of my inner life and as a distraction from the world around me—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Painting has always been my refuge, my way of hiding from anxiety, offering a sense of safety, while simultaneously each completed work becomes a visual manifestation of the very anxiety I’m trying to escape. To see my work is to see the real me, it’s an incredibly vulnerable and euphoric feeling. However, I’ve begun to shift my perspective, aiming to create art that isn’t solely about my personal experiences. I’m now exploring the idea of making work that allows more room for others to engage with it, to find their own meanings within it. I trust that my voice will still resonate through the physicality of the paint, even if the subject matter becomes less personal. This evolution in my approach is challenging, but it feels essential. I’ve realized that if a painting can never fully encapsulate or rival the experience of simply existing in the world, then why not let it speak in a broader, more inclusive way?
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work in oil painting is characterized by a careful balance between the surreal and the realistic, creating pieces that delve into complex themes such as hope, entrapment, and the delicate interplay between protection and vulnerability. I often juxtapose stark, clinical elements with warm, organic details, crafting a visual narrative that invites viewers to explore the tension between contrasting ideas. This approach is evident in my use of dark, somber backgrounds that highlight the brightly lit, central compositions, ensuring that each piece commands attention and provokes thought.
What sets my paintings apart is the meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of everyday objects like pill bottles, chairs, and natural elements such as frogs, plants and the human figure. These items are not just background details but integral parts of the story, crafted with a level of precision that reflects a deep study of the subjects. This dedication to realism, combined with surreal elements, creates a sense of unease and curiosity, encouraging viewers to engage with the work on a deeper level. My compositions often evoke feelings of confusion, desperation, or reverence, reflecting the complex emotional landscapes I aim to portray.
Another distinguishing feature of my work is the way I blend different styles and techniques to create a harmonious yet thought-provoking composition. By balancing pastel shades with more grim symbols like skulls and medication, I transform traditionally morbid imagery into something ethereal and tender. This fusion of life and death, creation and decay, allows me to explore broader themes while still maintaining a personal, emotive touch. My paintings are not just visual experiences but also invitations to reflect on the broader human condition, making each piece a unique step in my ongoing journey of creative expression.
I’m most proud of how my individual voice resonates through the handling of paint in my work. By delving deep into the motifs and techniques of Dutch Golden Age masters like Willem Van Aelst and Venetian painters such as Titian, I’ve been able to weave these influences into a distinctly modern visual language. This blend of historical reverence and contemporary expression allows my art to stand out as something truly unique. It’s not just about replicating the past but about building on it, crafting a narrative and style that is entirely my own. The ability to communicate through this personalized visual language is what I take the most pride in, as it represents both a deep connection to art history and a clear, authentic voice in the present.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Health, family, friends, art, and education are the pillars that hold my life together, each one essential in its own way. My younger sister recently welcomed her first baby, a beautiful daughter, into the world, and it’s moments like these that remind me of the deep connections that bind us. My youngest brother is recently married, and as I witness these milestones in my family, I’m filled with a profound sense of gratitude and love, and responsibility. These relationships, the moments of joy and support we share, ground me in ways that no other aspect of life can.
Art has always been a powerful force in my life, but it’s the presence of family and friends that truly nourishes my spirit. They provide a balance to the intense focus and solitude that often comes with being an artist. When I step back from my art practice, it’s these connections that bring me back to reality, reminding me of what truly matters. Education, too, plays a crucial role, not just in the formal sense, but in the lessons life teaches us through our interactions with loved ones, and the growth that comes from sharing experiences. It’s through this blend of personal and professional fulfillment that I find meaning, allowing me to approach my art with a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artofjustinbrooks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofjustinbrooks/
