Meet Justin Barrett | Jade Carver and Jade Diver

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Barrett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I consider risk to be an opportunity for adventure.

Risk has shown up in my life in many ways, from Surfing in different parts of the world, to taking the plunge to become a full time Jade artist. It has afforded me the opportunity to build a lifestyle and career around Big Sur Jade supplemented by diving to harvest the stone in remote areas of the coast.

I believe that I have a healthy relationship with risk as it comes in to play each time I enter the water to go diving. It helps me to create experiences that inspire my creativity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a full time artist creating Jade carvings and jewelry. Inspired by the Pacific Ocean and the areas that surround it.

What makes my work unique is that I transform Jade, one of the toughest natural materials into contemporary wearable art and that I dive to harvest some of the stones that I use as my medium.

I am most excited about the fact that I get the opportunity to live my dream everyday creating artwork that makes people smile.

When I was first introduced to Jade Carving there were very few people involved with the craft. There definitely wasn’t anyone creating the types of objects that I aspired to create. The challenges ranged from having to build and create tools to fit my specific needs, to learning how to present my work as an art form that could be respected. It was impossible to predict that the culture around Big Sur Jade would grow the way it has and that my self and the few others I started this journey with would be known anywhere outside of our town. Im overwhelmed with gratitude when I look back on the on the adventure that brought me to where I am today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If they were in the area for a week I would suggest taking a trip to Big Sur. Taking advantage of the many hikes and and out door activities available in the area. Dining at the Post Ranch Inn’s Sierra Mar , Breakfast at Detjen’s and lunch at Nepenthe or Coast Gallery. Eventually winding down with a glass of wine at the Big Sur lodge or Ventana Inn for lodging. .

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I had to name a few key influences that have helped shape who I have become today I would mention: Kenny Comello, Gary Rust, Elena Finkbeiner, Mike Weber, Donn Salt and of course my mother Elsa Rivera. The community I live in is full of amazing and supportive people that have held me up and encouraged me in many ways. I would thank them all if I could.

Website: justinjade.com

Instagram: @just_in_jade

Other: I can also be found annually at: The Monterey Bay Jade Festival in Monterey in June The Westend Celebration in Sand City in August and The Big Sur Jade Festival in Big Sur in October

Image Credits
Personal image – Marco Mazza Other images – Adrienne Gammiere