Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Johnson.
I am originally from Maryland and a relatively new artist in Austin, TX. Art has always been a huge part of my life but not until moving to Austin in 2016 did it become a priority.
Growing up, my mom had a ceramic studio in our basement and was always a source of encouragement and support. I studied studio art at Virginia Tech with plans to be an art therapist but after graduation in 2006, I took a break from school and was quite distant from the artist in me. I moved around a bit, sowed some wild oats and eventually went back to school for Occupational Therapy in Florida. I began using art with my patients and this brought back the passion in me, but I still felt something was missing. I followed my gut and all the rumors of Austin’s creative atmosphere, packed my bags and the rest is history!
Living in Austin has revived the artist in me and I am now working as both an artist and a therapist, and I can truly say art is my life. In the past two years, I have had my first art show, live painted and learned how to spray paint (with the help of local artist ER). Most importantly, I have built confidence in myself as an artist. I owe many thanks to my friends and family and the art community in Austin. And I plan to continue my path towards art therapy.
Please tell us about your art.
I primarily use oil paint or spray paint as my medium. I enjoy painting portraits more than anything and using vibrant colorful pallets. I like the challenge of capturing a likeness and the ability to convey human emotions. I want my work to invoke people to feel a connection to others or themselves, inspiring thoughts of our existence as humans. I prefer interpretation to be up to the viewer, but I strive for feelings of joy, tranquility and a sense of healing. Most recently I have enjoyed enhancing my skills as a mural artist and I am excited to keep growing and developing my style.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success an artist to me is enjoying the process of creating and/or being satisfied with the final product. Very often there is one without the other but they both give me a sense of accomplishment and happiness. I also enjoy seeing other people feel happy as a result of my art. Art for me isn’t a job, essentially, it is a life source. When I create I feel like my truest self and I am thankful for that gift. Selling my art is just a bonus. I believe openness and adaptability is a good quality for an artist. There will be highs and lows but always opportunities to learn. Also, having good self-discipline and time management skills, which I am still working on!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Until I get my website live, most of my work can be seen on my Instagram page. You can also find my work at various pop-up events around town and with organizations such as Hope Outdoor Gallery/Hope Campaign, Spratx and Cherry Cola Dog. If you are interested in commissioning mural work or purchasing any paintings, please message me on Instagram or email. I am also working on developing a service for art classes for older adults and individuals with disabilities through artheals.atx Instagram page.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4102597241
- Email: brittpaintsalot@gmail.
com - Instagram: @blondebrittatx (primary) and @artheals.atx
Image Credit:
ER. @erthink
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