Meet Kim Johnson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kim Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kim below.

Kim, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

It has taken a lifetime to understand self care and what I need in order to be the best version of myself and most effective for the world. There can be a vast difference between want and need but as I fine tune rituals and practice these two ideas seem to merge into one. I’ve had some health issues in the last few years and have come to realize how critical it is to nourish the mind and body daily with nutrition, exercise and rest. Nourishment also comes from my craving for outdoor trail runs around a couple of mountains and detention basins near my studio. I find a good portion of my answers to problems and inspiration there. Recently I lost my mother so I’ve also left a lot of tears on those trails. When I return to the studio my mind is clear and all the frequencies are open to create, conceptualize and be present. It doesn’t remove obstacles or distracting thoughts completely but it does provide a clearer lens to objectively examine and express them in my work.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Currently I’m focused on my studio work full time. My brand is Strangedays and Stardust. I developed it from the idea that we are all made of these things and infinitely expansive in spirit on this planet. Most of my paintings and work explores the idea of being in two worlds, one of natural law and one of mystery. Many of my paintings are figurative and I find a drive to bring what’s under the surface of the flesh to the canvas in a contemporary style that bridges a classic painting process with a mixed media disrupted realism edge. My website is strangedaysandstardust.com and more current work can be seen @strangedaysandstardust Instagram.

I’m a native to Las Vegas and have worked in small art galleries, shops and interior design in my professional past life. I saw an opportunity to return to college later in life and finished my degree in BFA Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2012. I have always painted throughout life though and continue to tell students and others that the best way to achieve the work you want to make is to merely do the work, every day, every opportunity, with every fiber, then share it with the world.

I currently have a solo exhibit of 29 paintings in the beautiful, historic St. Mary’s Art Center in Virginia City, NV. through Dec 3. The exhibit focuses on an internal dialogue of the self and tension between spirit and the physical world. In the studio I am working on commissions while continuing to develop my work and gearing up for another solo show for 2025 in Las Vegas.

For the last 10 years I have been balancing a full time schedule working with my partner and fiancé building an arts organization for artists to paint in public spaces along with developing my studio practice. Before the pandemic we were consistently hosting events and building large structures to paint for over 40 artists at a time on the Las Vegas strip, downtown arts district and other large and small venues. There was a huge amount of satisfaction in this work but it was also physically exhausting and almost impossible to run my practice and commit fully to it. Recently we have made some structural changes that provide more time in my private studio and to make professional commitments. Life is a woven tapestry of experiences that continue to come through my work and I am eternally grateful for all of them. This has been an incredible part of my journey and I am excited about the next chapter in better health and in my studio full time.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I would have to say the three most important qualities or skills that have been most impactful to me have been discipline, acceptance and patience. Be open minded stay disciplined in your interests and pursuits. Nothing beats consistency for desired results. Be patient in that. Set goals without limits and unabashedly celebrate small victories. When life deals you obstacles embrace them as opportunities for growth and meaning that will provide greater strength to your future self.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When life seems too much and I’m feeling overwhelmed I remind myself that this is part of what makes us human and is also what makes us amazing within the mystery of it all. Our struggles and our triumphs make us who we are. Then I take some slow deep breaths and imagine our little galaxy far out into the universe where it’s quiet and infinite. To imagine our planet from that vantage point can really help keep things in perspective and how we are all in this life together. We each have our own unique journey but we’re never alone in it. Just breathe.

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