Biography

A native Houstonian, Justin Garcia has been involved in the art world for most of his life. The son of a renowned faux painter, his creative roots stem from his mother who enlisted the talents of her son at the early age of twelve where he painted murals for her clients. With tremendous ambition and talent, Garcia has studied and performed many techniques to develop a signature style that gained the attention and appreciation of art collectors, media and a variety of individuals. His work incorporates mixed media of oils, acrylics and compound texture on canvas and wood, and for more exotic pieces, often features unique materials such as Plexiglas, railroad nails and stained glass. While attending the Bauer Business School at the University of Houston, Garcia realized his true talents and natural entrepreneurial skills. Garcia began to develop his artistic style on canvas and fine-tune his business skills by painting out of a small storage warehouse in the Katy area for several years. Deciding to devote his time and energy to his passion, he left his full-time job and leased a studio space in Hardy Street Studios, located in the heart of downtown Houston’s art district. The move offered him the ability to produce work from the perspective of an entrepreneur and sparked additional growth in his personal development and career, giving him the opportunity to pursue his dream as a business man and professional artist. Shortly after, he and four other emerging artists were chosen by John Palmer to participate in a collaborative project exploring ‘Escapism’. Receiving widespread praise and recognition, his collaborative piece became a stepping stone in his professional progress as an artist. Seeing his art as a vehicle to help the community, Garcia often donates a portion of the proceeds from his shows to local charities such as the Arthritis Foundation, Artists for Haiti, San Jose Clinic, Spacetaker, and The Leukemia Lymphoma Society. In July, 2009, Garcia was asked to create an art program for the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference where he worked with over 75 teenagers in “Art with Justin.” Over a two day period, Garcia explored the importance of art in his life with children suffering from juvenile arthritis. Explaining his use of abstract expressionism to communicate his feelings in a healthy and creative manner, he also taught the children about color, lines and shapes. Challenged to create an abstract work of their own, the children’s work was pieced together to create a seven piece framed collage which he donated to Texas Children’s Hospital, where it will soon be displayed. Most recently, he is working with New Spring Center Organization where he donates his time to teach middle and high school students’ basic business principals on how to take their interest in art into a professional career. Emotions that cannot be expressed in words are the subject of Garcia’s art. Believing that the creativity of the mind is endless, he hopes that his art will inspire individuals to seek more out of life. Garcia also recognizes art’s true potential as therapy. “I ask one word about everything, ‘why?’,” says Garcia. Garcia believes that exploring the curiosity that lies within each of us is the only way to really understand ourselves and the world we live in. He sees his art as the doorway to discovering the answers that lie behind our innate curiosity. Believing in karma and destiny, Garcia says that “everything happens for a reason.” And he is certain that, thus far, everything he has learned and experienced has brought him to this point in his career. More important than success, Garcia hopes his legacy will revolve the inspiration he aims to provide to others. Garcia’s work can be viewed at Design Showcase and BB1 Classic - Houston, TX. He is represented by Skyline Art Services and National Art Services in Houston, TX. Garcia has been featured on Fox 26 News, Telemundo, and Latismo also in 002, Gloss, Houston, Paper City Magazine and most recently his work has been featured on HGTV’s Design Happens.