Check Out Steve Javiel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Javiel.

Steve, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2005, I decided to leave everything behind and move to San Francisco in pursuit of trying to make my dream as an artist a reality. I attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco which I graduated from with my BFA in Fine Art. Right out of school, the universe challenged me in so many ways. This life that I have chosen has not been an easy one but when you love what you do the only thing that can stop you is yourself if you give up. A few years after graduating I was given the opportunity to go back to the Academy Of Art University and teach Abstract painting. Which was an amazing opportunity It made me grow as an artist. Like everyone else I’ve had my not so fun jobs I see it as paying my dues. About 5/6 years ago I finally decided to take that leap of faith and see if I had what it took to survive as a full-time artist. The opportunity rose where I could work for someone else or go all in and pursue my love for art so I decided to take that leap and I have never looked back.

Truth best decision ever, there has never been a moment where I regret my decision. I love what I do but I have never been challenged the way I am now. With every struggle, I am learning so much and that’s the reason I am who I am today. In some way, I embrace the struggle. Now I’m painting full-time, Voss Gallery in San Francisco and Acumen Wine Gallery in Napa represent my Abstract flowers. I also teach art in Oakland to middle school students for Get Empowered. I’m also painting murals now in Oakland and San Francisco. This is something a few people know about me but I also dance. I dance Cuban Salsa at night it’s another form of expressing myself.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has not been a smooth road I have struggled like everyone else. There were times where it was hard finding art-related jobs. There was a time when the apartment  burned down and that broke me but the one thing that kept me going was my passion for art. Rejections are rough. Getting doors closed in your face and people telling you that your artwork is no good is also rough.  Sometimes the pressure can get to one and those are hard times.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I paint Abstract flower paintings The strong presence of color in my abstract flower paintings is a representation of how we all come from different backgrounds. Color is powerful and it can uplift us when we are down. The same way color puts me at ease, my hope is that I can do the same to others. This new series is an attempt to spread positive energy since being in a positive state of mind is a game changer. Love that I can be expressive with color, organic shapes and my very own handwriting incorporated into my abstract backgrounds. I would say I specialize in painting Abstract flower paintings and Urban Decay paintings.

On the side, I paint dog portraits But people know me for my abstract flower paintings. I’m proud of my abstract flower murals as an artist I’m always finding ways to grow. What sets me apart from others is that I’m combining my urban decay background with my abstract flower paintings.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
At the moment Murals seem to be a big hit with the industry. The opportunity presented itself to me and I took it. Great way for an artist to get exposure. Even being represented by at gallery can go a long way. With social media nowadays you can reach so many people/ art collectors. Social media has so much power and it’s all at the palm of our hands.

Pricing:

• $55
• $85
• $300
• $500
• $1500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stevejaviel.com/home.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevejaviel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveJaviel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevejaviel/
• Other: https://vossgallery.art/collections/steve-javiel

Image Credits
Self-portrait In the gallery by Ashley Voss