Artist of the Month February 2014

Justin Silver Horowitz

Brooklyn, NY

I am currently living in Williamsburg Brooklyn and work as a professional screen printer.  I studied fine art, italian, and sculpture restoration at the University of Wisconsin and lived and worked in Italy with Nike Restauro d'Arte shortly after graduating. After a year in Italy I returned to New York and worked with Artgroove NYC faux finishing and gilding interiors for about 18 months.  In 2009/2010 I began concentrating on my own work and rented a shared artist space in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  In 2011 my cousin and I opened Brooklyn Treasury , a screen printing studio offering exclusive design and printing to private labels around New York.  The Brooklyn Treasury brand is about 2 years old, and we do business with select stores around the city as well as in Japan.  Fashion is now at the forefront of my mind, but I still find time to make art, either for myself or for clients.

How and when did you start creating art?

When I was in Kindergarten, my Italian  teacher Ms. Filipazzo recognized my artistic interest and talents. She started calling me "Argento Pittore" (Silver painter), since my middle name is Silver.  So it all started in Kindergarten, and of course my family has always encouraged and supported me as an artist.

What media and genres do you work in?

I prefer to use oil paint either on canvas or wood, and when I travel I always take pictures with the classic Pentax K1000. I also really enjoy watercolors.

Who or what are your influences?

I love to study the materials and techniques of classical fresco painters.  More specifically I like looking at the smaller details in each work, such as the painted faux marbles, wood grains and gilding that garnishes each fresco.  Having lived and worked in Italy restoring sculpture, I've also been influenced by European soccer, the drama of each game as well as the design of the jerseys.  More so these days, I've been greatly influenced by streetwear and fashion since opening up a screen printing studio. I also love taking pictures of the beach and the sand.  

What was your inspiration for Blissed Out?

My uncle inspired me to paint on wood he had cut from his cabin in upstate NY.  I had taken a break from painting to open a screen printing studio called Brooklyn Treasury, and he encouraged me to get back into painting, but to use the wooden discs as my canvas.  In working with my cousin, whose father inspired me to paint the discs, I have broadened my artistic palette, and this series of work has really been all about experimenting with colors in contrast to the wood grains of the discs. The name of this particular series is "Acer" which is synonymous with maple wood. 

Describe your creative process?

For the piece entitled "Blissed Out," in particular, I used a rotary sander, and then sanding blocks to obtain a very smooth surface. Then I used tape, spray paint and brushes to build the composition.  Sometimes I'll stain or shellac the wood, depending on the effect I want to achieve.  I've started gilding the wood now, too, which is quite beautiful.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently designing a clothing brand called Brooklyn Treasury, as well as expanding the Acer collection.  In a month or so I will also start a small watercolor series as a tribute to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

Two long term goals of mine are to build a successful clothing brand, and to one day paint a fresco.  If anyone out there is reading this and has a blank brick wall they'd like a Fresco on, please contact me.  Most artists dream of painting a dry wall like those down in Wynwood Miami, but it would be even more of a challenge to make a Fresco. I am trained in three different types of Fresco techniques, and I'd love to utilize them.  

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

You can view my portfolio online at www.justinhorowitz.com   Some of my work is for purchase at www.BrooklynTreasury.com/Artwork and at  Jumelle 148 Bedford Ave Brooklyn NY. For any further questions feel free to send me an email at justin@brooklyntreasury.com