A r t b y S e r a f i n
Josh’s Bio: Born in California, raised in Huntington Beach, Joshua Serafin will always savor what the coast has to offer. Growing up in a positive family atmosphere, perseverance seems to be the path Josh exemplifies. Josh’s dad, Tom, has become a successful businessman climbing “the corporate ladder” with his ingenuity and hard work. Jan, Josh’s mom not only had the full-time job of raising two boys, but also brought the creative flare to the forefront. Jan, a trained floral designer with a natural eye for composition and an artist in her own right filled their home with inspiration. Joshua’s exposure to fine craft and art appreciation was prominent throughout his youth. He recalls his dad taking a “stab” at painting and charcoal.
In 1996, Josh enrolled in classes that steered him toward a business degree at Chico State University. After a week of classes he rearranged his schedule and followed his passion. Filling his fall schedule with art classes instead, Josh felt nervous, but excited.
Missing the ocean, and discovering his calling, Josh left Chico after one semester to attend Long Beach State University. His coastal commute brought balance and a rushing of creative juices.
During the Fall of 1998, Josh was driving his ‘63 split window VW bus home from Long Beach along PCH as the sun was setting. He stopped of at Bolsa Chica State Beach to enjoy the dazzling hues bursting in the sky. Call it an epiphany or “silly resolution”, but that early evening Josh came up with the idea of photographing every sunset of 1999.
By the end of 2000 he had sold 1000 Limited Edition Signed Lithographs of Sunset Resolution. As his artistic juices flowed the following year, Josh discovered his own unique painting style. He calls it the “Essence of the Gesture.”
Weeding out the days as a waiter and marrying his wife, Jamie, Josh continued to sell originals at various outdoor art shows along the coast. In 2003 Josh opened the doors to his first studio/gallery in Huntington Beach. As a full-time artist, Josh learned how to manage his business primarily on his own. In 2007 he decided to convert his garage into a natural light studio, work with a couple galleries, and proceed to sell at art shows and work from home.
During his 10-year art career thus far Josh has sold hundreds of originals, thousands of prints, and has taken on many private commissions. He’s been recognized in a variety of publications as well as surviving a TV interview. Collectors from Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles counties, Monterey, Ca., Tennessee, Arizona, Japan, and Hawaii often stop by his once a year solo shows. His most recent accomplishment is winning first place in the California State Senate 8th Annual Contemporary Art Collection. His oil painting titled HB Tribute will be displayed in California’s State Capitol from July of 2009 through September 2010.
Today, Joshua Serafin resides in Huntington Beach with wife Jamie and daughters Lily and Molly.
Residency
• Born in San Bernardino, CA. 1973
• Living in Huntington Beach, Ca 1978-present
Education
• California State University, Long Beach. Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art
• 6 Months in Burlington, VT 2000-2001
• Month in Italy, 2005
Accomplishments
• Photographic Documentary of every sunset, 1999
• First place in photography for Sunset Resolution, 2003 HB Art show
• KOCE, Real OC Interview, February, 2004
• 8 successful solo shows, 2005-2009
• Featured in Longboard Magazine’s art issues 2006, 2007 & 2008
• First place in contemporary art show, California State Capital, 2009