Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Johnson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
For as long as I can remember there has been in me a desire to create. Creativity comes in many forms, and I took time to explore, experiment and find mine. I frequented museums and guilds, art fairs, took ballet lessons, played piano, was in theater, orchestra, band. It was at the High School/collegiate level where inspiring teachers and professors made a significant impact and encouraged me to focus on my strengths, which I did, in drawing, painting and photography. I changed my mind (and my major) from graphic design to fine art and received my BFA from the ISU College of Design. After which I found it somewhat ironic to begin working in the field of graphic design.
To my surprise, a move from the northwest to the southeast nearly 18 years ago changed my life forever. I was working in an Atlanta art gallery, meeting wonderful people and artists, who (again) encouraged me to put my paintings out into the world. My first exhibit was an emerging artist show at Anne Irwin Fine Art. I have been painting professionally ever since and have work available through galleries from Florida to Boston.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a contemporary artist, working predominately with oil color, graphite/charcoal and oil pigment sticks. My work is a combination of subjective and abstract narratives, floral in nature, guided by the pursuit of seeing how far I can push and simplify a single subject. I paint every day and work on several canvases at a time, making mistakes and not painting with a precise plan. I strive to maintain a balance between layered, subtle forms and expressive mark making. I hope to convey a lighthearted, imperfect and messy at times approach in my subject, offering the viewer perhaps a little something unexpected along the way.
The charm of the South, abundant sunshine and blue skies have greatly influenced my spirit and my painting. I paint in (mostly) natural light and love to use fresh flowers when available. I find them most interesting when they start to shift and change their shape, letting go of their initial perfection and sameness.
Willem DeKooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, David Park, Cy Twombly… a short list of the many, many artists I find incredibly influential and inspiring.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Challenges indeed! Making time in the day/night/weekend for your art is a challenge, finding your voice, your vision/aesthetic is a challenge, money for supplies… I think the best advice on this subject I ever received was to try not to worry about the peripheral, put it out of your mind. Create when you can and when it feels right. Be in the moment, be honest and true to yourself and keep focused on honing your craft. Everything eventually will fall into place.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Online: lynnjohnsonfineart.com or lynnjohnsonart (Instagram)
In person: Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta
Contact Info:
- Website: lynnjohnsonfineart.com
- Email: lynnjohnsonstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: lynnjohnsonart
Image Credit:
Photo credit for image of the artist, Christina MacKenzie
All other images taken by the artist.
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