Justin Alsedek never expected to settle down or find his footing as an artist in a place without a steady stream of tourists. 

Today, with a studio based in Ocala, his work is helping shape the visual landscape across Central Florida, including a large mural in Clermont that reflects both his journey and his message.

After graduating from Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, he took a leap of faith and built his career traveling between Ocean City, Maryland and Key West, setting up an easel and drawing for passersby.

“I’ve been a self-employed portrait artist since 2008,” he says. “I always relied on tourist towns where I could set up an easel and just paint spontaneously.”

That changed when he and his wife decided to plant roots in Central Florida.

“I honestly thought it was going to be game over for my art career,” he says.

Justin found new opportunities and a community that embraced his work through local art walks, gallery shows and support from organizations like the Marion Cultural Alliance.

His transition into mural work began in 2020.

“Festivals weren’t really a thing at that time and I saw people doing these murals and thought it would be nice to do one,” he says.

After submitting a design for a public art call, his work was selected, launching a new chapter in his career. His first mural, centered on the idea of a “creative refuge,” reflected his own journey as an artist searching for a place to grow.

That momentum led to projects across the region, including his Clermont mural commissioned by Cherry Lake. The piece spans two connected walls and focuses on growth and awareness.

“It’s about planning for the future and trying to remind people to think about everything affected by growth,” he says.

With his studio in Ocala, Justin balances murals, gallery work and festivals while staying selective with projects.

“I’m pretty picky about my projects,” he says. “I really enjoy when I am given the freedom to just be creative.” 

Photos: Cindy Peterson