Today we’d like to introduce you to Juju Bartush-Reeves.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juju. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In school, I was always drawing. I had a natural talent for drawing difficult things like of animals and faces. So, I was the kid always winning awards at school. My dad had a shop with tons of different items in different states of disrepair. I would pick through his treasures all the time – make broaches out of watch pieces, earrings and costume jewelry out of parts and magazine pages.
I’ve always had a heightened interest in anything creative. But, it wasn’t until I moved to Texas when I realized the artist I am. When you think about it though, I’m really doing the same thing I’ve been doing since I was five years old – just with different media, techniques and visions. And, at a much heightened level.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The creative part has been smooth. From the very beginning, I’ve been in this ever-evolving state. From those really cool, professional automotive paints and jewelry, to faces and horses, to integration of resins and stones into my art, all those things have come down to where my art is now. I’m always blending techniques and experiences, bringing them together to create another new series.
But, in terms of using art as a means to make a living, it’s been a struggle every step of the way. I’ve had to create in environments that are less than ideal. I put life-things on hold out of necessity. Even now, when it should be as easy as ever, I struggle with where and how to sell my art, while still just being me.
Please tell us about Art by Juju.
Art by Juju is a business I created about 16 years ago after moving to Dallas. After years in retail, I was able to pursue my dream and create for a living. I operate out of my home studio, with a large home workshop for large-format work and general exploration.
I’m very proud of my standing as a resident artist for The Dallas Margarita Society. They do works throughout each year, benefiting the Love for Kids cause, highlighted by the Margarita Ball, one of Dallas’ must-attend society events every November. It’s always my best event of the year.
I’ve never felt I have a specific specialty. I’m not about one medium or another – one technique or style. I’m about painting and creating big, bright, bold statements. Because I can’t see committing myself to anything less.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up in the Detroit area, my dad worked in the design shop of The Ford Motor Company. He used to bring home old cans of auto paint. This was such beautiful, thick, shiny paint, in so many great colors. I had this little space behind my dad’s shed where I’d paint rocks with those amazing paints. I loved using what I later learned to be the “dirty pour” technique, dropping paint on the rocks, letting it drip over each unique shape. Being a collector of beautiful gemstone rocks, I’m sure I still have a few of those in my collection.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2012 Robin Hill Lane, Carrollton, TX 75007
- Website: http://www.artbyjuju.com/
- Phone: 972-904-1830
- Email: artbyjuju@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jujubartush
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juju.artbyjuju
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/juju3669
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