We recently connected with Justin Surgeon and have shared our conversation below.

Justin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always been blessed with natural artistic ability, but I never really took it seriously up until 2015. I was involved in a freak accident where my right arm was run over by a city bus in Charlotte, NC (I’m right handed btw). After 33 days in the hospital, I was released April 15th, 2015. The next couple of months involved a lot of physical therapy and mental turmoil from feeling like I would never be myself again. Upon regaining strength in my right arm/hand I began to attempt to draw again. I desperately wanted to get back to the things that I loved & the things that made me feel like myself so I started drawing with sharpies on my kitchen table. That one decision led to me working on this table for weeks until it was covered with various works of art. This became my liberation very quickly. Not long after, I purchased my first canvas and drew a picture of Gucci Mane with paint markers that sold that same week for $50. This sale was huge to me because of many different reasons. One being that I was physically unable to work at that time so I wasn’t making any money and hadn’t in months. So I literally would sit in the house all day and paint; & it opened my eyes to the fact that people would actually pay me for my art work I produced. It was such a refreshing feeling & it fueled me to keep going, everyday for the next 7 years up until now. Currently I am a fine artist & muralist with works of art across the US. From NC, to Arkansas, to Las Vegas. Its truly been an exciting journey to put all bets on myself & fully immerse myself into the art world. What was once “the worst thing that ever happened to me” became the most important moment of my life. A moment that forced me to reveal my true character & decide if I was going to give up on myself or show how resilient & tuff God has made me. I chose the later & my life has changed forever.

Justin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I dove into the art industry head first back in 2015. I always felt like I belonged with the heavyweights and I always admired the journey & dedication it took for artists to get where they are, so I mimicked what I knew, put your head down and work! I now offer various services for commissions; from oil and acrylic paintings, to large scale murals, to interior design in peoples homes, to painting clothing, shoes and handbags as well. My greatest trait for my art is that I’m very very versatile. I have the ability to free hand draw, do abstract work, realism paintings and more. I think that trait alone separates me from a lot of artists because I refuse to be put into a box and limited to what people “think” I’m capable of. I’d rather live fearless & open to any challenge that’ll ultimately grow my craft. I’m most proud of how much I’ve grown as an artist and person over these past 7 years & I’m grateful to still be able to complete new work that’s better than my last.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing people react positively to something you created with your hands. The appreciation they have for something you literally made from start to finish. That feeling is unmatched!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After my accident, I could go work a regular job due to physical restrictions with my arm. Selling my first paint opened the door for more work, and more sales, which ultimately was more money in my pocket. This turned me into a full time artist fast & left no room or time to sit and feel sorry for myself. Resilience is truly one of my strongest traits. The will to continue through no matter what life throws at you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inigmaproductions.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Inigma___
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsurgeon/
• Twitter: JR_Surg