My farthest dream even in my teens was that I would one day be a renowned art restorer in the US. Okay, I exaggerate a little here… I would have to limit that to Houston, Texas, but I am pleased that I have made so many people in this area happy. Although I have done oil painting restoration for many people out of state, most of my work does come from Houston.
I hope you will take a look at the video and text testimonies on this website. I would be happy to give you contact information for my happy art restoration clients inside and outside of Houston. I would love to be your art restorer in Houston.
Back to my story….
In my twenties, I was blessed to be part of a handful of young artist who were discipled for years by a well known Latvian artist. Our story was also mentioned in a book about art and Latvia. I am an impressionist landscape artist and you may see my work at http://www.marissalminsgallery.com.
In 1996, my life made a pivotal turn. I met a lady who needed a translator and was drawn to her non-profit outreach to both Christians and Jews. The translation became a part-time job and a year later I married my client. 🙂
We continued the outreach for five years until she needed to return to the US to care for her elderly parents.
What to do?
Of course, I went with her!
A Latvian artist in Atlanta, Georgia, with a wife to care for…
I have been referred to as a “genius” and this genius had a hard time getting into galleries and couldn’t even get a job delivering pizzas.
One day I met a fellow European who suggested that I do oil painting restoration. Interesting concept.
I tried my hand at it and found out that I was, stunningly good at it.  My background in the intricacies of paint, varnish and canvas, gave me a distinct advantage,
I went to galleries, auction houses etc., attempting to drum up some business to no avail, but then there was Antonio.
I can’t say that I don’t know what possessed me to pester this gallery owner who owned one of the most prestigious galleries in Altanta, because actually, I believe it was God. On my SIXTH “cold call” to him he gave me a couple of paintings to “restore.”
This is Antonio’s testimony which is in the Testimony area of this website.
Maris is a very honest person both with respect to trustworthiness and especially with respect to his craft and art. He is painstaking in his work and has excellent color sense. He came to me on his own inquiry and was initially not contracted for services. On a second inquiry he was given a canvas with considerable problems, viz.,paint loss,holes,, dirty, etc. He returned the canvas in two days and the work in all areas was most impressive. He has since been given many works to restore and each time the work is excellent. I strongly recommend Maris for painting restoration without any reservation.
Second inquiry? He is a kind man. 🙂
I did restoration for him for years and he even wanted me to set up a shop in his gallery.
After getting Antonio as a regular client, I set up a booth at a monthly antique show, my business was great and Life on the Wall was born.
My wife’s parents passed away and we moved to Houston where she had lived before moving to Latvia. She loved Houston and owned a home with no mortgage. Thus, my move to Houston.
That’s my story… Maris Salmins – Art Restorer Houston
