About Justine Lasdin

Justine Lasdin is a mixed-media painter based in Portland, Maine, whose work explores the interplay of light, form, and transformation in the natural world. Raised in San Francisco, she developed a passion for art early on, studying metals and drawing at the California College of Arts and earning her Bachelor of Arts at Humboldt State University. After a career in visual design and raising her child, Justine shifted her focus to art and education, obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching from the Maine College of Art and Design.

Balancing her roles as an artist and educator, Justine’s work captures the dynamic rhythms of landscapes through layered compositions that invite viewers to connect with nature’s resilience and beauty. Her pieces, which are held in private collections across the United States, reflect a lifelong commitment to exploring and sharing the transformative power of the environment.

Artist Statement

I am inspired by the ever-changing movements of nature—the way light shifts, trees fall, paths wear, and waterways flow. My work captures these moments through a playful and intuitive process that layers color, shape, and line to evoke the rich textures and rhythms of the natural world. Each piece tells a story of transformation and resilience, inviting viewers to reflect on the balance and strength within the environment. Through my art, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the landscapes that surround us.

“I feed my love of pulling color, LINE, and shapes to life by capturing everyday moments through art.“

“Creating allows me to be fully engaged in the process and experience the ability to pause time.“

“Drawn to line work and the loose edge of sketching, I bring these elements into my work to create expression”.

“Whether painting outside or in the studio, I work to be fully present in the moment by embracing each brushstroke and letting the practice lead to the result.”

My Teaching PhilosophY

I am passionate about education and believe in fostering problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. To achieve this, I utilize curriculum design to gradually introduce media skills and techniques, encouraging experimentation and risk taking to build a deeper understanding of a concept.

My goal is to help students navigate the creative process by allowing room for mistakes and failures, while also guiding them towards individual success. I achieve this by providing clear criteria for them to follow, while also encouraging experimentation and self-expression through art.

I firmly believe that everyone has an artist within them, and as an art teacher, my role is to identify the medium or subject matter that can ignite a passion for creation. Through a student-centered approach, I leverage their interests and abilities to design lessons and inspire project ideas. My curriculum includes a study of art history and contemporary artists, which I use to influence and motivate my students. In my classroom, I engage in open dialogue about artwork to encourage thought and foster appreciation for art.

I want my students to walk away with the experience of understanding themselves and the world through the arts. I want students to strengthen their problem-solving and critical thinking skills to create fantastic work that represents their unique individual selves. I want students to find success and confidence in the arts, which translates back to their everyday successes.

Passion, Patience, Persistence, and Commitment = ART

MAKE, ART, THINK SHOW