Art & Life with Clara Johnson,

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clara Johnson.

Clara, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
There are many artists in my family. My sister, brother, and two of my aunts have been artists for as long as I can remember. I however, was never drawn that way. I have BA in Finance. I was in the mortgage industry for 14 years until I decided to take a little time off in 2008. During my time off I decided to take a watercolor class at the nearby college in Midland, Texas, I found that I really enjoyed blending colors and attempting to maneuver this tricky, but oh so beautiful medium. That same year I was fortunate enough to take a workshop form an artist by the name of M. Douglas Walton out of Ruston, LA. That workshop transformed me. I discovered the artist that was sleeping within me and a new passion was ignited. I never went back to the mortgage business. I have spent the last ten years painting as much as life allows. I have taken over 30 workshops with various artists, been in 4 solo shows, 16 group shows, won awards, and was the featured artist for the Tall City Blues Fest in Midland, TX prior to relocating to Dallas 5 years ago. Since I have been in Dallas I have participated in the Dallas Arboretum’s annual artshow, Artscape for the past 4 years. I was honored to be invited to be a part of this exceptional exhibition again this year.

The dates are April 28th-29th, with a preview party for Arboretum members the evening of April 27th. I also feel very fortunate to be part of the White Rock Lake Artists’ Studio tour that happens each year during October in East Dallas. This tour features over 50 artists in East Dallas who have home studios that they open up to the public. I continue to experiment with texture, color, and a more abstract style of painting. I refuse to be boxed in. When people see my solo shows they often feel that the show is featuring several artists because my style and subject matter changes from painting to painting. I enjoy the process of discovery when I paint so I am always trying something new. I guess the constant in my work is that I enjoy color, texture, and a little mystery and try to show these elements in each piece I do. I will forever be thankful to M. Douglas Walton for helping me to find the artist that was sleeping inside me. Like so many, I was one of those people that said, “I don’t have an artistic bone in my body” or “I can’t draw a straight line”. When I hear someone say that today it makes me a little sad. I now think there is an artist in everyone …. and only hope that one day that artist that is in each of us will be set free. Life is so much sweeter when you look at life through the right side of your brain. I’m so blessed to have a loving and supportive family that has embraced this change in me and supported my artistic journey with love and kindness.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
When I paint I am exploring possibilities, having a conversation with myself, putting my emotions, hidden thoughts, and passions in my work. I can paint a more realistic painting if I choose to, and sometimes I do. I enjoy painting, so why not. What I enjoy doing most, however is playing with color and texture and letting the painting tell me it’s story. I know it sounds a little strange but often I have a conversation with myself when I paint and what appears on the canvas sometimes really surprises me. I have been told that I am all over the place because I embrace so many mediums and styles of painting. I don’t think I have deep dark secrets or issues to deal with… the conversations are more a matter of slowing down long enough to hear my own voice. For me, my paintings are a safe place to be bold and free, and to follow my own rules, or no rules at all. I put myself on the canvas and make no excuses for what transpires.

I guess, I feel you must paint who you are and put yourself in your work. It appears “myself” has many faces and wears many hats. I hope that when people see my work they are moved in some unexpected way. That my unspoken self, speaks to their unspoken self, and a friendship is formed. That my work causes them stop, pause, and wonder. If the painting is good enough, maybe they will decide to take time from their busy life and get a little lost in the painting.

In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
People can see my work on my website, www.artbyclarajohnson.com, or follow me on Facebook. I participate in Artscape at the Dallas Arboretum each April and in the White Rock Lake Artists’ Studio Tour each October. If someone sees a piece of my art that they are interested in getting a closer look at, I encourage them to contact me to set up a time to stop by my home studio and experience the piece in person.

Most of the artists that I speak with feel it is a challenge to get their work seen. Following your passion to paint is very expensive, getting your work seen is expensive too. Most artists that I know are not marketers or sales people, they are artists … that is what they love to do. The business side of art can be difficult for someone who really would rather be creating art than marketing it.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Dallas Arboretum, Artscape 2018 – April 28-29 9am-5pm. White Rock Lake Artists’ Studio Tour 2018 – October 13 -14 10am-5pm.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6041 N. Jim Miller, Dallas, TX 75228
• Website: www.artbyclarajohnson.com
• Phone: 432-352-8297
• Email: claraannjohnson@yahoo.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyclarajohnson (?)

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