- Justin Sonny Eagles – Photograph by Kevin Howard Photography
Typically when one writes to describe their art and surrounding story, the words follow a diluted prototype describing the “artistic vision” as a sales pitch. Not me. I use to be hesitant to reveal myself, but as the artist Goya compared the risk of painting to that of bullfighting, there can be no fear in being a painter. People have said there seems to be a great deal of anger and aggression in my work,-they’re right.
- “Orphans” by Justin Sonny Eagles
I grew up under the everyday pressures of my family falling further and further into debt. I often watched my mother’s face transform from a beautiful woman into a drained scared ghost, slipping away into the memories of her own financially hard childhood. My father (the toughest badass you’ll ever meet) walked with his head falling low, as if he was drowning in the burden of life. A cabinet maker, living job by job, hoping the next contractor didn’t cheat him out of money like others had before, igniting painful reminders of the mistreatment and racism he suffered in his youth. They tried so hard to provide for their family and seek assistance, while bill collectors and lawyers threatened to take away what little was left, everyday. Topped by my own demons chasing me, the emotions generated deep inside. From fear to depression, from depression to anger. And then one day I discovered painting. I had been drawing for my whole life, but for the first time all my pain and emotions poured out through my brush. Like a poet using words as weaponry, my paint became my ammunition.
There are many painters who possess remarkable skills but are missing the most essential ability of all. Strip away my hard work and developed techniques, and I will still convey my most courageous quality, my heart. I paint with all my heart. I paint with anger and aggression, as well as love, hurt, dismay, concern, and ecstasy. Simply put I paint with passion.
- “Orphans Grandpa” by Justin Sonny Eagles
QUESTIONS FROM THE GOOD AMERICAN POST
What is your “medium” of artwork and what inspired you to start such?
Oil painting. Girls and money.
Who is your mentor/role model/etc.?
In painting, Caravaggio, Velazquez, Goya, Dali, Bonnat, El Greco, still living and breathing artist Antonio Lopez Garcia.
Where or did you train/study to do what you are doing now?
I was taught anatomy by my Father, who studied a little art and was a professional bodybuilder. Most of what I learned in oil painting I taught myself through experimentation.
What is your favorite thing to photograph/paint/sculpt/etc.?
People with stories on their faces, who have lived life, interesting characters.
Why is that your favorite thing to paint?
Because I feel there’s a lot to learn from people’s stories.
Where can people find your work?
Currently at Kevin Howard’s Photography Studio, The Warehouse restaurant, and Cucuru Gallery Café.
Contact Information:
SEagles254@aol.com
Diana_a2@hotmail.com
(719) 495-8940
