Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiel Johnson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m just a guy with an unstoppable urge to build the objects of my imagination. I grew up with a creative family and I’ve done whatever I can to make each day of my life a studio day. Any conversation or odd discovery can be fuel for a new direction. Through layered narratives and storytelling, my work speaks of my travels and adventures thru everyday life. I think of myself as an explorer, setting out each day on an uncharted path of meditation manifested in drawing and sculpture.
Please tell us about your art.
My work is a springboard for the metaphorical investigations of the world I inhabit. using line to explore places, objects, and spaces that exist in my imagination, I catalogue my observations and seal them in time.
The idea of work as play is central to my practice: handmade, hard work, and having fun. I believe in a laboratory approach of experimentation to problems without finite solutions. Inspired by odd discoveries, coincidence and chance, I seek to personify inanimate subjects. Drawing acts as a seismograph, witnessing my experiences and recording the vibrations; sculpture advocates my quest for understanding how things are held together. My intention is to bring a sense of curiosity and exploration to the viewer.
I’m captivated by the transformation of material into a visual language. My desire is to create a lifelong pursuit in improving my abilities. Approaching life with a heightened level of inquisitiveness and a playful mind, I continue to source new forms of communication.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I love being alone. The best things happen when I spend extended time with myself. Social media helps stay in contact a bit during these extreme lone wolf periods. I could be solo even more than I am and be perfectly happy. I work more efficiently and dive deeper into my own mind when I’m the only one around.
Don’t get me wrong, I like people a lot and find it energizing to be around other creative folks. Going to openings, setting up studio visits with other artists, and showing up to support friends when you’d rather keep focused on your own stuff are all good ways to stay in touch with the other creative comrades out there on the hustle.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website is always a good start: www.kieljohnson.com. Hiring artists for projects and involving the visual language in your life helps all of us. Feel free to contact me about any creative project you think I’d be interested in. I currently have a work up at the Getty Villa and Denk Galley in Los Angeles. I am always up to something in one form or another. Constantly having irons in the fire is a key to my momentum. Say yes, a lot and do your best job each time out.
Contact Info:
- Address: Kiel Johnson
- Website: Kieljohnson.com
- Email: kiel@kieljohnson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kieljohnson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KielErikJohnson
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/kieljohnson
Image Credit:
Dan DoLinh, Theo Jemison, Kiel Johnson.
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