Daily Inspiration: Meet John Air

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Air.

Hi John, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey as a creative and artist has been lifelong, but as a painter has been 5 years. I’ve grown up daydreaming and drawing comics, to rapping and writing lyrics, to painting my experience and surroundings. I took my talents to art school to learn some of the basic techniques and even after school, I’ve continued to be a student of art!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no for different reasons. I think in any profession there’s behaviors or habits you create that you may find are aligned with the person you may become, so as I’ve gotten myself into communities for creatives I’ve felt like I was were I’m supposed to be! In the same breathe, it has not been an easy road, discovering what kind of artist I want to be, who my work is for, doing the things that may help get the work seen, and balancing it all out with my current circumstances.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is involved with urban culture, spirituality, and media using acrylic or oil paint, but I don’t limit myself to just those materials! As of late I’ve let my hometown, Atlanta, become the subject of my work and it’s allowed me to learn more about what I call home and connect with many people that share experiences. I also love to abstract and exaggerate moments, or add textures and designs in my work to make it feel like mine! Over the exploration of art, I also love using oil pastels to draw different references that stand out to me and currently, I would say is what I’m known for as an artist. I have a lot of influences in my work and references I pull from for my illustrations which consist of music, fashion, poetry, subcultures like skateboarding, punk and grunge, and especially the African/African American diaspora.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom has been my biggest advocate and contributor to the artist I could be, my dad has supported me with whatever lane I’ve chosen to be in, and my sisters continue to show up for me! Jasmine Wright and Onaje Henderson of Zucot Gallery for allowing me to be apart of their family as an intern, Leo of Versus ATL, Lawrence of Kloset market, Rico Vianei of Soul theory, as well as the Atlanta loves Art community! They’ve all given me a space to contribute and share my work, shared knowledge with me and other artists and overall have been great friends. Also two of my homies I appreciate that have given me support with my work are O.G. Herm, engineer & producer, and Tyrique Washington!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_aiiir/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Johnair111

Image Credits
John Air & Tyrique Washington (the ones with me in a tie)