Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Luper.
Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Tampa, FL, spent my first year of college at USF, then moved to Gainesville, where I attended Santa Fe Community College for a year, then proceeded to Orlando, where I went to Valencia for a year, then transferred into UCF where I attained my BA in creative writing and graduated in 2008. I have been in Orlando ever since. Growing up, I never wanted to be anything in particular. I never wanted a career or a specific job. I played sports as a kid and continued through high school, but I never had delusions of going pro or anything like that. I liked skateboarding and running track and later discovered an affinity for other individual sporty games like ping pong and bowling. Being an only child made me more inclined to participate in these activities. Reflecting on my schooling, I realized I was always drawing, sketching, or doodling. It didn’t mean anything until it piled up in front of me. I had taken one art class in high school, drawing 1, and was not good at it. I lacked the patience to capture still life. I was a wild kid, very hyper, and it was hard to sit still. I only considered being an artist once I had milk cartons and storage containers full of drawings, books, and paper. At this point, I was in my early 20s, trying to graduate from college, playing music in a band, and still having no real plan.
By the time I found the courage to call myself an artist, the determination to vehemently pursue that path, and the focus to implement the necessary steps toward success as a working artist, I was already 30 years old. I had been working at a coffee shop for 13 years. Success came in small waves during that period. A group art show here and there, t-shirt designs for events, posters for shows, organizing and installing DIY art exhibits, and eventually, I was asked to help install artwork at the Alfond Inn and Rollins College by a friend and lead preparator, Adam Lavigne. All of this experience led me to more preparatory work at the Mennello Museum of American Art as well as the Orlando Museum of Art. Before I knew it, I had inadvertently built a robust and unique resume and a vast network of excellent and creative people. When the posting for my current position popped up, I almost didn’t apply because the description took up more than a page, but I am glad I did because it feels like this is where I am supposed to be.
As the Arts and Marketing Supervisor for the City of Casselberry, I have had the opportunity to program over 50 art exhibitions, curate 15, program and moderate multiple artist talks and discussions, and bring many new artists to exhibit in our art venues. I have met hundreds of artists and creative people, and I work with them daily. I am in charge of marketing all of our art and special events, city initiatives, and advertisements. My most recent highlight has been opening our brand new Casselberry Arts Center with the inaugural exhibition “Experience Contemporary,” which attracted nearly 500 guests. I am excited about the future and want to do my best for the community. It feels good to give people something special. In hindsight, everything seems like practice for the next thing. I have come to understand the idea of practice deeply and patience.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It could be smoother, not as bumpy as some others, but not smooth. My main struggle was with myself. I am learning myself and figuring out how to make myself work. Some people know exactly who they are and what they want to be or do, or they go with what they are supposed to do, and it works out great for them. Some people don’t know immediately, and that’s okay, too. You need a lot of patience if you’re the latter. I had a lot of patience and didn’t require much to live.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multidisciplinary artist focused on drawing and painting, but I have also been experimenting with sculpture. I take film photos and put them on my computer, where I collage them with my drawings, then paint them, adding to the image to create works that act as physical memories of places and feelings.
I am also an arts administrator who manages multiple gallery spaces for the City of Casselberry including the City’s new Arts Center. My goal is to create unique experiences for the community to come together, to learn, and to grow.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
There isn’t just one. I am patient and calm when I need to be. I am determined and passionate about what I set forth to do and do things with intention. As I get older, it is easier to see the bigger picture, which affords me some extra faith that things will fall into place. I can trust myself to make good decisions because of my experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: justinluper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luperluper/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuperJustin/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-luper-b7547774/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sheetfort
- Other: www.casselberry.org
Image Credits
Hayley Boulicault
