Meet J. Connor Sittig | Artist, Instructor, & Curator.

We had the good fortune of connecting with J. Connor Sittig and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi J. Connor, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Vincent Van Gogh wrote that he perpetually sought to be of use in this world, and this was a noble pursuit that bound itself tightly to every worry and thought as I grew older. When I was younger, art was a means of expression and collaboration. It wasn’t until I began to work with Tommy Castillo, a self-driven artist who would become my mentor. Through Tommy, my perception of art shifted from one of expression and one of realization. I began to ask myself what my art was to me? Before I could find my resolve, Tommy passed away in 2017. At the time, I was working in a movie theater and allowing my money worries and the future to take precedence over the act of creating art. It was then I knew that risk was the only way out, so I quit my job, moved away from home, and began a career as a freelance artist along with a studio assistant and traveling art vendor to an Orlando-based art studio. There, I learned the value of my efforts as an artist and the importance of taking an opportunity. The chance to work as an artist, travel the world over and meet other like-minded artists shaped how I appreciated the art of others. I, of course, cherished the art of the master that I read of and encountered but found the work of the up-and-coming and the experienced to be ones of true wonder. So as I left the art studio to venture out on my own, I found my career taking a turn toward teaching art and creative writing. I am now a curator and instructor at a local art collective that holds classes weekly and art shows on a nearly month-by-month basis.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Finding the absolutely unique quality of my work is a challenge on its own. I feel I am still learning and evolving with every brushstroke. However, my hand shakes a little less, and my eyes find the details a bit faster with every finished piece. I work in several mediums but always feel at home in watercolor painting.

I am proud of the opportunities I did not shy away from over the past few years. I was given a chance to curate art shows at a local art gallery, which I was allowed to help in the creation of. During my first year (2016-2017) in college, I left to work in the Orlando-based art house, Castillo Studios, where I was educated in practicing, furthering, and exploring ways of creating art. There, I was under the tutelage of Sammy Castillo, who herself was a veteran in the art world.

The greatest lesson I have learned and applied is to be endlessly curious and not judgmental. Also, always encourage the best from everyone, whether in art or their own ventures.

I may not be the first to say this, but I want my story to teach the lesson of valuing your time. So if there is ever a calling that you are afraid to embrace, if you believe you can do it, you can. Nothing can harm you other than yourself, so allow yourself to be adventurous and take risks. If you had to live your life over again just as you lived it before, would you appreciate the choices you made the first time round’?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here in Florida, everyone’s immediate go to for entertainment and dining is either a Disney World trip or a quick hop into a drive-thru lane. But when you look a bit closer you can see those hidden gems tucked away in the numerous shopping plazas.

Brooksville, Fl where I live is a 30-minute drive from everything. Whether that be the mall, amusement parks, fine dining, and so on. So taking the time to find local joints to visit always pays off in the end. If visiting Brooksville, it’ll be hard to not hear about Coney Island and their foot long hotdogs. This place is a must that will surely take you by surprise. The true definition of mom-and-pop dining, Coney Island is adorned with 1950s’ regalia that will take you back, especially with the Elvis merchandise that is hard to miss. (Fun fact, the King himself supposedly ate at the Brooksville Coney Island way back when.) The food is also not one to shy away from being hard to miss as there is so much. Burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken wings, shakes, homemade sauce, and much more. The foot long hot dogs is the true star though. Always served just the way you want them, with ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, or with their specialty Coney Sauce. No matter what you get, you definitely will know your order for next time.

For a relaxed night out, after a good meal, our Beacon Cinemas is a good way to end the night. Sitting back and enjoying a movie is nothing special but in a small town like Brooksville, it’s nice to have such an experience close to home.

Taking a lazy day, but still wanting to get outside, Tom Varn Park is a step in the right direction. A quaint place that has been a place for sports gatherings, family outings, and the overall hangout spot for years. With a walking trail though a light spattering of trees, the view of the pond will always be a good one with the occasional fish and turtle swimming along. On occasion, Tom Varn will be home to our annual Art in the Park, a gathering of artists and vendors displaying their work and creativity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To Tommy and Sammy Castillo, the mentors and individuals whom without I would not be where I am today, whether that be my life or career. My wife, Sierra, who has been the one in my life who has never faltered from being a source of support and enduring positivity. To Vincent Van Gogh and Hunter S. Thompson, to creators whose art and perceptions of the world taught me to take life a day at a time, to appreciate the time I have, and to not squander my efforts where they are not welcome. To my parents, Michael and Kendra, whose decisions were tough and choice were trying to make the most of my life with what they had.

Instagram: @jconnorstg