Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert “Yonderboy” Legans-Johnson.
Robert, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always had an affinity for computers and electronics at a young age; I remember learning how to solder at around 15 years or so, taking apart old and broken VCR readers and TV circuit boards. I always knew I wanted to make things as a career, but that always wavered from doing software coding to cosplay to animation and back again. I was very uncertain with exactly what I was going to do until I took Digital Fabrication and Physical Computing courses at UH, and learned how to use a laser cutter and 3D printers and Arduino microprocessors, which opened up so many opportunities and paths for me as a maker and an artist. Second to making giant robots, I figured using my talents to make art was the best path forward.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main struggles I’m dealing with right now is how much time it takes me to really “finish” a piece. To make my complete physical pieces, they take me between three weeks to two months to completely assemble and test and present. A lot of my work is interactive or animated, so it’s very difficult to show people my work in progress, and I have a huge communication barrier in how I’m able talk about my work, especially when I’m introducing it to those who have no idea about electronics or laser cutting. I always feel rushed to create quicker, simpler works to compensate.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I aim to use technologies like laser cutting, 3D printing, electronics, as expression and empowerment, and as tools to explore my identity and my relationships to the world around me.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
The summers of my youth when I could stay up until 5AM playing video games like Half-Life or Team Fortress 2 without feeling crappy the next day were my particular favorites. I do that now, but instead of video games it’s schoolwork and actually feeling extremely tired the next day.
Contact Info:
- Website: yonderboy.art
- Email: rlegansjohnson@gmail.com
- Instagram: y0nderboy
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