Meet Justas Marcink | Painter

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

Hi Justas, why did you pursue a creative career?
Because I didn’t have much of a choice. My career has been a process of elimination with my weaknesses and strengths, and all roads lead back to creativity. My full-time job as a stylist and merchandiser aligns with my degree in art because it involves creative problem-solving and creating visuals, which is my ultimate strength. I’ve learned to nurture my well-being by pursuing careers that highlight my skillsets, instead of focusing on the income or job status.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The art I make is about being playful and indulging myself in my careless obsessions. I’ve always tried to stay true to myself by not changing the subject matter or meaning of my art because it makes the direction of my career a lot more clear. Also, whenever you create authentically, it’s like raising a flag to attract like-minded people and form a community. The most challenging aspect of being an artist has been learning the financial side of it, and taking into consideration how to create in a way that can provide you a steady income. Which I still haven’t achieved.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite hangouts in Denver, where a day of shopping can lead into a night out, is the South Broadway area. Between the cafes, second-hand stores, bars, sex shops, and small music venues, it’s a very exciting area filled with great punk style and opportunity for adventure.

I will also never turn down a hangout at any of the parks in Denver. A picnic at Cheesman, rollerblading at Wash Park, or taking a stroll at City Park are some of my favorite activities that can be done almost year-round.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t have been able to make the art that I have in the past few years if it hadn’t been for Adam Gordon, the owner of The Temple art studios. Adam is a true patron and advocate of the arts and really shows it by running a space that is catered to artists. The Temple provides artists an environment to create in full freedom, and make of it whatever they desire. It’s a place that is rent controlled and not advertised, and people find out about it by being in the community.

Website: https://justasmarcink.com

Instagram: @justas_marcink