Interview by Jimon

1- Where do you currently reside and work? San Jose, California.

2- How long have you been making art and what lead you to start? I remember drawing and painting in kindergarten. Then in the first grade my teacher praised me for an elephant I drew, and that lit the fire that keeps burning.

3- Did you study art or is it inherent? I didn’t study art in school, and I would say that the inherent part is my drive to do something until I get better at it. I’ve been on that train since I was a girl, so I guess it’s more of a life-long self study.

4- How would you describe Laura Johnston? She doesn’t cry much unless she’s watching someone sing their heart out on America’s Got Talent or win a lot of money on a game show. One of her favorite feelings is waking up in the morning and realizing she has nowhere to be that day. She’s fascinated by people, loves cheeky humor, feels at home in the mountains, and spends a whole lot of time singing and dancing by herself in her studio making art (but she’s been too chicken so far to do karaoke).

5- You have a Ladies series which I am enthralled by. What is the inspiration behind this series? Over the last few years I’ve gone through a massive personal transformation, and this series coincides with me opening up to connection with other women in a way I’ve never been able to do before. I feel strongly about working towards self-acceptance and self-love in the face of a society that actively works against it, and that it is important for us to support one another in that effort. Under all of the conditioning and harmful messages we’ve encountered is the truth. We get to dive deep to decide who we are. My Lovely Ladies portraits celebrate our uniqueness as individuals and also our connection to one another. They challenge the idea that there is one set of ‘shoulds’ that fits all of us.

6- Why only black ink? I have a soft spot for black and white work. There is something so classic, strong, and quietly intriguing about it. It’s funny, my most recent series have been really bright and colorful, but in this Lovely Ladies series I’m taking a step back, finding grounding, finding roots, finding patience. I’ve discovered that there is SO MUCH to explore within black and gray materials. I use ink, watercolor, graphite, charcoal, oil pastel, pens, you name it. I like the challenge of combining those materials to create a balance of textures and techniques without complicating matters with color. I’m also interested in the variety of black/gray media: depending on how they’re made, some black pens will have a blue or green or brown hue when mixed with water, and there are warm grays and cool grays to use. Not to mention my love of black in the first place. Black is everything.

7- Do you imagine any narrative continuity for the characters in your paintings? All of my characters are different and each one represents a snapshot of a particular situation or feeling. There are no recurring characters or any discernible storyline (yet?).

8- Have you ever asked a buyer, why my art? What is it about your work that interests them? People have told me that they are drawn into the unique style and the meaning behind the faces: that they’re not about outer beauty but embracing our complexities and individuality. People like that each lady is different and they’re curious about them. Who are they, where did they come from?

9- How do you define success? Freedom. An open schedule, making work I love, and being able to connect with others through it.

10- What kind of art hangs on the walls of your home? I have a lot of portraits (animals and people) by other artists like Emilio Villalba, Devon Sioui, my sister Kayla, Christina Romeo, Sara Golish, Michelle Connolly, Caroline Douglas, and many others. I love supporting other artists.

11- What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from an artist, about being an artist? The piece of advice that’s stuck with me for the longest is from a photographer I worked with when I was in college. He told me to follow my passion without worrying about where the money is going to come from because the money will always come. Worrying about money is pretty engrained in me, so his advice puts me at ease when I start to get caught up. That advice may not work for everyone, but it’s been nice for me.

12- What influences you as an artist? Psychology, emotions, interest in human nature and the psyche. I also love humor and unusual combinations.

13- How would you like to be seen as an artist years from now? I want to be the artist you call for anything related to psychology, fostering creativity in adults, championing for authenticity OR if you want to have a parade of pure silliness.

14- If you could have dinner with 3 artists living/dead who would be at your table? Ashley Longshore, Frida Kahlo, Nellie Mae Rowe

15- Three things you can’t live without in your studio? I’m not very picky, but I’ll say water, a window, annnnd my phone.

16- Do you have a place/person/thing that you visit for inspiration? Since moving to the Bay Area, I especially love visiting the SFMoMA for a fresh jolt of inspiration. Being there makes me feel that I am a part of something bigger and that anything goes, so keep going.

17- How would someone find you on social media? I am an IG regular: @laura.johnston.art