Justin Wheatley is a local artist based out of Salt Lake City, UT. He’s not only a fine artist, a high school teacher, a husband and father, but a pretty damn lovely human being. I had the pleasure of interviewing him and getting to know a little more about this genuine person behind the contemporary paintings. It went a little bit like this…
SALT: What is a joyous moment that you’ve experienced recently?
JUSTIN: My five-year-old and I drew a dragon together, with her directing me on
what to do. It was pretty sweet.
S: Why did you start this venture? Out of opportunity, necessity, dream job…?
J: When I was in Mr. Shelby’s drawing class in junior high I decided I wanted
to be an artist and an art teacher. Now I’m an artist and a high school art
teacher. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and rewarding all at once.
S: Did you have to give anything up to pursue this?J: I don’t think so. It feels like my career gives me opportunities rather
than taking them away.
S: Besides this, what is another hidden talent, passion, or hobby of yours?
J: I love to run and be outdoors. I also have this thing for growing heirloom
tomatoes. They are beautiful and tasty.
S: Are you close with your family?
J: My wife and I have three beautiful little girls. I love them all dearly. I
hope that we are always as close are we are now.
S: If you could be an animal, what animal would you most want to be?
J: Seller’s Sea Eagle. That’s a cool bird.
S: Do you have a morning routine?
J: I sleep as long as I possibly can while still being able to get to work on
time. I have the whole shower, comb my hair, and eat thing down to a
science.
S: Do you have a dream tattoo?
J: I like to live vicariously as far as the tattoo thing goes. I’ve seen some
cool ones, but never one that is cool enough to keep forever.
S: What is the last great book you read?
J: The Devil in White City. Architecture, murder, Chicago. And it’s all true.
S: Favorite TV Shows?
J: Parks and Rec (sigh), Modern Family, Jimmy Fallon, and all those Anthony
Bourdain shows.
S: Favorite Drink?
J: I’m a water drinker. Boring, I know, and not what the waiter wants to hear.
S: What would be a dream collaboration for you?
J: It would have been awesome to work with Banksy on Dismaland. I’m not sure
