Alison Johnson
Warwickshire, UK
ART OF THIS WORLD: What is the starting point for your abstract work?
ALISON JOHNSON: I think about the atmosphere I want to create and hence the colours I will use. AOTW: Since you work in different genres what determines the kind of work you will paint? For example portrait versus landscape? AJ: I usually paint in series--much of my work originates from scapes be it city or land. After finishing a series I may develop the work into complete abstract culminating from the emotions felt during the previous series. However other times I feel the need to paint a portrait to prove to myself I can still be a representational artist. AOTW: What inspires you in a work of art? AJ: Music, people, and place but always underpinning it is the mood and emotion they create. AOTW: What mediums do you work with? AJ: I mainly use acrylic with oil glazes, but sometimes I use pure oil. I love the blending capabilities of oil, but I under paint in acrylic to set the scene, colour and composition. Acrylic allows fast drying times and the opportunity to adjust quickly. AOTW: Which artists do you admire and why? AJ: I love Monet and Turner. Their ability to create depth and mood leaves me spell bound. AOTW: What are you currently working on? AJ: I am currently working on a series of abstract landscapes. I want these to portray serenity and peace. I also work within the mental health specialty and would love my work to have a therapeutic effect on the viewer. AOTW: Do you work in series? AJ: Usually, although this is not intentional; it’s just that a concept usually flows into a series. AOTW: How do you achieve such beautiful light in your paintings? AJ: That’s a difficult one. I think it’s something within me. In my other work as a cognitive behaviour therapist I am constantly searching for light/positivity in peoples' lives. I have a compulsion to create it in my paintings too--even the darkest work must have a chink of light somewhere : ) AOTW: Where can people see your work at the moment? AJ: I currently have online shops: http://www.art2arts.co.uk/artists/alisonjohnson http://www.artgallery.co.uk/artist/alison_johns... http://www.etsy.com/people/enigmawonders?ref=si_pr http://www.redbubble.com/people/alisonjohnson I also exhibit in numerous galleries throughout the U.K, and these are constantly updated on my website http:/www.alisonmjohnson.com/ AOTW: What, if any, are the challenges that you face as an artist today? AJ: Time is always a challenge, and making my work accessible to everyone. AOTW: Not all artists have a daily routine, but can you share what you do on any given day? AJ: My week is varied, and as I mentioned earlier I work in cognitive behaviour therapy three days a week. This work inspires my creative process effecting my mood and work. I call these days my inspiration days, as they fuel my thought processes so that on ‘painting days’ I already have ideas of what I am to do. I get up early eager to go, making marks on canvas immediately, usually mid morning. There is time needed for review and more thought to consider how I am going to move the work forward. Sometimes I am very surprised by what I have produced. Often on hectic weeks my work appears more tranquil. I then take a break answering emails etc, and progress the work further in the afternoon. I have a family and so commitments usually take over at this point, but if the work absorbs me it is not unusual for me to work into the early hours of the morning. I paint most evenings anyhow. AOTW: Do you set goals for yourself or do you play things by ear? AJ: I do set goals for myself, but I wish I didn’t as I always work better without goals. Things always work out better if I play it by ear, I just need to believe in myself more. AOTW: You stated that you have a nursing degree. Is there some other profession that interests you outside of art and nursing? AJ: I have worked a little bit in theatre, and have always loved the experience. I am not confident enough to be front stage but working behind the scenes interests me. AOTW: Are there other forms of art that you have worked in or would like to try other than painting? AJ: I have written plays for children about the dangers of cyber bullying and taught drama. Some of these productions have gone on tour locally. I loved the experience of theatre in education. I also built a sensory garden once for children with learning difficulties. That was a fantastic experience. AOTW: Where do you work? AJ: I have a studio within my home. AOTW: Do you have open studio days for visitors? AJ: Not currently, I would need more space but it is an area I am considering for the future. AOTW: Is there anything else you would like to share about your work, your life as an artist or art in the world today? AJ: I paint because I have to... it is therapeutic for me. Without art, my life would be empty. I hope it might transcend the viewer to a pleasant place as it does me. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if it has inspired you to paint too……do it,…….. you will never look back: ) AOTW: Thank you, Alison. |  PASTURES NEW  RUSH HOUR  STREWN  SWEPT AWAY  NEARING THE CITY  MICHAEL JOHNSON  MOROCCAN HEAT  CONFLICT |
