
BackyardKoi & Art

Artist J2ester
All works are copyright by BackyardKoi & Art
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JJ Burton was born in the Philippines and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Southeastern Philippines. She works full-time as a Transportation Engineer with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) while pursuing her lifelong passion for art.
A self-taught impressionist and abstract artist, JJ has loved drawing since the age of seven. Throughout her school years, she participated in art competitions and often created artwork as heartfelt gifts for family and friends.
In addition to painting, JJ has been an avid koi hobbyist since 2007, breeding and raising these remarkable fish. Her fascination with their graceful movement, vibrant colors, and symbolism inspired her to begin painting koi in 2015. Today, koi remain one of her favorite subjects, reflecting both her artistic style and her passion for the hobby.
Since 2017, JJ's artwork has been featured in numerous juried exhibitions, including the South Carolina State Fair. Her paintings have been exhibited throughout the Midlands at venues including Good Life Cafe, Best Mattress at Divine, Ellen Owens Salon, Cafe Strudel, DeLucca's Italian Restaurant, D&D Breakfast Restaurant, Henry's Restaurant, Flight Deck, The Haven Coffee House, The Pitter Platter, 14 Carrot, and The Musician Supply. Her work has also been exhibited at Open Art Studio in Greenville, South Carolina.
JJ is a member of the Trenholm Artists Guild and the Cayce Arts Guild, and is a former member of the South Carolina Artists Association.
She welcomes visitors to explore her collection, where her love of impressionism, abstract art, and the timeless beauty of koi come together in every painting.
Koi were the first subjects that inspired me to paint, and they continue to influence my work today. Their graceful movement, vibrant colors, and quiet elegance opened the door to a lifelong journey of artistic expression. Beyond koi, I find inspiration in the natural world—water, trees, animals, and anything that captures beauty, emotion, and movement.
My work is often created with a palette of whites, blacks, blues, and rich reds. One of my favorite collections is "Animal Tree," a series in which the forms of trees transform into animals reflected in mysterious, swamp-like waters. It represents my fascination with nature's hidden connections and the imagination that exists beyond what we first see.
I enjoy exploring new techniques and experimenting with abstract art, allowing each painting to evolve naturally. I am especially drawn to creating mystical and dreamlike subjects that invite viewers to interpret their own stories and emotions.
For me, painting is more than creating an image—it is a way to explore imagination, find peace, and connect with others. There is no greater reward than seeing someone smile, pause, or become deeply moved by a piece of my work. Knowing that a painting can touch someone's heart or awaken a feeling within them is the greatest inspiration I could ask for.
As long as I am able, I will continue to paint, explore, and share the beauty I see in both nature and imagination.
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