Field Note No. 001: How Plant Gallery Took Root

The plants, the art, and the idea behind what I’m building.

So… I’ve always liked plants—and nature overall.

Over the past few years, I found myself watching shows centered around eccentric homes, interesting people, and creativity. I was always most captivated by the spaces where people had integrated nature into their everyday lives. The plants weren’t just sitting in the background as decoration. They were a legitimate part of the home and part of the experience.

I’ve always wanted to create something that felt like that.

Eventually, I tapped into my artistic side and said, Let’s make this happen.

More Than One Kind of Artist

Most people know me predominantly as Javon the Artist. But I’ve always said that I never want to be boxed in.

My creativity flows through so many different categories, and I’ve never wanted to limit what it could become. Painting may be the medium people recognize first, but the way I see it, creativity is bigger than one canvas.

When I first got into plants, I started with what some might call the “basic” specimens. I wanted to learn the hobby, understand the care, and get comfortable with what I was doing.

But that changed pretty quickly.

What started as a few plants soon became a much more intentional collection. I developed a love for Philodendrons and began acquiring more unique and rare varieties.

Then I discovered the very complex world of Anthuriums—and they instantly became my favorite genus.

If you know, you know.

There’s something about them: the different shapes, textures, veins, colors, and the way every new leaf feels like a reveal. No two really feel exactly alike. Naturally, that pulled me in even deeper.

From a Collection to a Concept

As I continued building my collection and learning more about this very interesting world, an idea immediately formed in my imagination: I wanted to create a plant shop.

And I already knew what I would call it.

Plant Gallery.

The name is a nod to my artistic roots and to ARTBYJCON—my first company and lifestyle brand. ARTBYJCON began around my paintings, but I’ve always envisioned it as an umbrella over several creative concepts.

Plant Gallery feels like a natural extension of that world, while also being something unexpected and completely its own.

I didn’t want to create just another place to buy plants. I wanted to offer unique specimens while giving people an overall experience. The plant is obviously the centerpiece, but the experience should begin before the box is even opened.

The presentation, the packaging, the details, and the feeling of receiving something special all matter to me. That attention to the full experience stays true to my ARTBYJCON roots.

Starting Small—On Purpose

I have a big vision for Plant Gallery, but I’m content with it starting small and exclusive.

I don’t necessarily plan to carry a huge inventory. I want the plants I offer to feel more like exclusive drops: thoughtfully selected specimens released with intention, rather than an endless catalog of whatever happens to be available.

I want Plant Gallery to feel premium, but I also want it to feel inviting.

Not everyone will begin as an experienced collector—and that’s perfectly fine. I certainly didn’t. Part of the experience should be making this world interesting and approachable without taking away the rarity, quality, and attention to detail that make it special.

Plant Gallery is still taking shape. I’m still collecting, learning, experimenting, refining the website, and figuring out what this idea can become.

And honestly, that’s part of the excitement.

Why a Journal?

I envisioned this Journal as exactly what it sounds like—but in virtual form.

It’s a space where I can share information, experiences, discoveries, and whatever feels relevant with my followers and fellow plant enthusiasts.

I am not going to sit here and present myself as a plant expert. I’m still learning, just like many other collectors. What I can do is share my journey honestly—from collecting and nurturing plants to eventually selecting and selling them.

That includes the exciting moments, the mistakes, the new leaves, the difficult plants, the things I learn along the way, and the behind-the-scenes process of building Plant Gallery.

But I also don’t want the Journal to be limited to plant care.

I can see it growing into conversations about collecting, art, interiors, design, culture, people, and the many ways nature becomes part of how we live. I want to leave enough room for it to evolve—even if I don’t know exactly what that evolution looks like yet.

That’s the point of a journal, right?

You document the experience as it happens.

So, this is the first entry—and the beginning of Plant Gallery.

Let’s see where it grows.