Meet Jerrel Sustaita | Artist/ painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerrel Sustaita and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerrel, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Dallas, Texas. I lived in Irving most of my childhood and spent alot of time playing outdoors. As the youngest of 5 children and a neighborhood full of kids my life was full of adventures. My dad was a musician all his life and from him, I learned to love music and the happiness it brings to those who engaged it. Later, I applied that love and effect to my own art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art stems from a lifetime of experiences. My youth was rich with influence from music and television. I romanticized over stories of Picasso and Matisse, so when I dove into painting, I had no idea what I did not know. First, I had to learn to be still. Stylisticly I find myself some where between Van Gogh and Basquiat. I love the impressionist, but I am so dang hip-hop. I am excited how new media can extend my reach far beyond the canvas. I share live painting experiences via social media. I exhibit my works through the internet and alternative exhibition spaces, — really wherever any one invites me to hang a painting. I believe, I have to hustle my own work if I want to see it done. When it comes to painting, one never knows where I will be next. With my box easel and a fresh canvas, I turn the muddy banks of the Trinity into the French Riviera and suddenly I am dabbing paint like Monet. When I see how my paintings can sometimes effect people, it makes me believe I was meant to do this. In today’s world it is easy to focus on feelings of anxiety and depression. In my paintings I choose to call attention to the beauty around us. To the beauty in our histories, our architecture, and our people. Art can inspire a cascade of love, hope and goodness; or it can fan unimaginable chaos. When people view my paintings, I don’t want them to feel as though they are being lectured. I don’t want viewers to feel as though they may be missing some underlying point. When you look at my paintings all you need to do is love. Enjoy a moment, over and over again. I am not often trying to be poetic or eccentric; I paint for paintings sake, and that is what makes my art special.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots to visit, are those places that allow and accommodate my french easel and I. The Bishop Arts District in Dallas is one of those places. There are endless opportunities to eat and drink; and watching the people is among the best. I love to paint the city and in my opinion the Canvas Hotel offers the best view of Downtown Dallas. They have let me bring my easel to the Rooftop bar to make paintings. Being in nature and around water is a great way to spend the day; and the cool clear waters of the Brazos River in Glenrose, Texas offer a great escape from the city. Glenrose is not a long drive from the metroplex, and the campgrounds at Oakdale Park are close enough to the river (near the big rocks) that I can walk with my easel — to a great spot for a quick plein air painting early in the morning.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am thankful for all the people who collect my art and support me with commissions. Especially
Mecca Design and Production in Dallas;
Richard Guerra, a collector;
Lucia DiGiorgio Vasquez, a collector; and 
my family who believes in me and especially my wife, Francine Sustaita, who stands beside me – even in the most difficult times.

Website: http://livelocalartist.com/

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