Artist’s Statement by Justin Canha

I started creating art before I was talking. Drawing and painting is my special gift and the way I connect with people. My dream is that I will be able to support myself independently through selling my art and teaching classes. My work has been displayed in many galleries and universities throughout the United States and I’m represented by the Ricco Maresca Gallery in New York.

My favorite things to sketch are Looney Tunes, Disney and Sesame Street characters as well as animals. I love to paint in watercolor and am an expert in mixing colors. I’ve also worked with charcoal and pastels. Right now, I’m mostly painting custom pet portraits, exotic plants and flowers, and children’s wall art, which you can buy on Etsy.com.

I have a business drawing children’s favorite animated characters at parties and events. In December, I volunteer a lot of my time children’s organizations and hospitals holiday parties. Seeing children laugh and smile makes me so happy. Teaching is another passion of mine. Currently, I teach at two elementary schools in my hometown of Montclair, NJ as well as at the McCarton School for students on the Autism Spectrum in New York. This year, I will also be teaching cartooning classes to autistic students through the “Train the Talent” program in Brooklyn, NY and at the Pigtails & Crewcuts Hair Salon, which sells my Etsy line of Children’s Wall Art. I love to inspire children and help bring out their creativity.

I also enjoy listening to classical music, baking and decorating cookies, cakes and cupcakes, horseback riding, taking art classes at the School of Visual Arts in New York, watching animated movies and working out. My parents and teachers taught me how to prepare meals, take care of our dog and travel by bus and train so I’ve learned to become pretty independent, which I enjoy.

Please LIKE my Facebook page to see all of my work and get updates on what I’m doing.

There is a documentary being made about my journey to independence called “Don’t Foil My Plans”.

Please come to visit my exhibit at Good Purpose Gallery in Lee, MA. Thank you all!