8.6.12 Featured Artist: Justin H. Long

Video: Funner Projects, Maintain Right, 2012

The history of man goes hand in hand with the ocean, they grew together and explored each other, with him even referring to her as mother. My interest in the sea goes way back. Swimming before walking, sailing before reading, we have grown together and now are quite inseparable.

For the last five years my work has explored many aspects of nautical history and how it relates contemporary issues. I painted a map from memory, just to compare my knowledge to yours. By creating a nautical scene to view videos in, the audience becomes included in the story rather than just a spectator. My act as “The Captain” plays with popular notions of the sea, playing up these impressions even though they aren’t correct. Building boats that seem feasible but are more to portray a dream rather than reality.

These are sincere actions in toying the viewers into some thought outside of their normal realm. Doing so by, bringing the ocean inside and making it accessible to all. It is a true love for the sea that I wish to share with everyone.

Justin Hayes Long is a thirty-one and three quarters year veteran of the sea, born in the belly of a narwhale and raised by a pack of fur seals. He had circumnavigated the world three times by the age of eight and twelve more times since. His knowledge of the ocean is second to only his mentor Jacques Cousteau and can tie over a thousand knots. An MFA from CalArts and deep Lilly Pulitzer collection set him apart from the rest.

Artist website: justinhlong.com