“…Stripping away the superficial metrics we use to judge one another so we could value each other as humans first sounds nice…”
Name
Laura Johnston
Profession
Artist
Website
Who are you? What do you do?
I’m Laura. I make art inspired by my emotions with a childlike approach in a variety of mediums. My primary body of work right now is a series of stylized black and white portraits of women. I want to challenge harmful standards and stigmas while celebrating the natural uniqueness and expression of every woman.
Where are you from?
I’m from the US. I grew up in North Carolina and am now enjoying living in California!
Your style in 3 words?
Playful, expressive, intuitive
Your weakness? Your strength?
My weakness is finding the words to talk about my work and my strength is my willingness to jump right into the creative process without overthinking it.
What makes you different?
I am very in tune to the energy of my surroundings and remember things in terms of feelings and atmosphere rather than concrete words or sequences. I also have a strong connection to my inner child and love playful, cheeky humor, silliness, and nonsense.
When did you decide to become an artist?
In the first grade after drawing an elephant in a yellow shirt.
What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?
The discovery process. I discover each piece, I discover myself. When I allow my feelings and thoughts to come out unfiltered into my artwork, I learn a lot from it. I love processes that keep me challenged and immersed.
A few words about your favorite creation?
I don’t have a favorite.
Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…
I’m inspired by artists at large more so than a few specific individuals. The feeling I get from visiting a gallery or art museum is one that encourages me to keep going because making art makes me feel like I am part of something bigger.
More recently I’ve been gobbling up books like The Atlas of Beauty by Mihaela Noroc, 200 Women by Geoff Blackwell, Ruth Hobday, and Kieran E. Scott, Women by Annie Leibovitz and Susan Sontag, and In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney. I can’t get enough of these projects.
A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?
I’m currently working on a slightly larger scale with my Lovely Ladies and have started to play with creating them in ceramic as well. I also have a book idea I am working on!
Finish the sentence “More important than my career is…“
My family.
2018: Where are we going?
2018 is my year of learning to talk. I’ve struggled with social anxiety for a very long time, but I want to be more active in my community. I’m taking steps to let go of the pressure and feel more confident interacting with people so I can show my work more and feel more connected.
When the going gets tough…
be nice to yourself.
Your city’s favorite spots?
There is a hiking spot here that I love. It has a little area just off the path with a picnic table under an oak tree that overlooks a pond. It looks like something out of a movie.
What would you do if you could change the world?
That’s a big question I have a lot of idealistic answers for, but I’ll just say that I’d love for schools to teach more practical subjects like emotional intelligence, taxes and finances, and interpersonal skills. Stripping away the superficial metrics we use to judge one another so we could value each other as humans first sounds nice, too.
Tell us about your future plans…
I’ll be continuing to explore art and the ways it intersects with other areas of my life. Hopefully this will include some art residencies.
Last but not least: what is your favorite Song?
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#13
