Stephen Robert Johns shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Stephen Robert, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Painting. Selecting a theme, assembling materials, and preparing my layouts is all part of my painting process. However, once I begin mixing colors and begin painting has me in a meditative state of mine. Time truly stands still for hours on end. I like working in natural light, so by the end of the day, I’m ready to relax and recharge my batteries.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Stephen Robert Johns. I am an artist located in Los Angeles. I enjoy creating geometric and topographical drawings, then interpret the drawings as acrylic paintings on canvas. During my senior year at Cal Arts, I focused on painting large canvases, with a static, geometric theme and colorful compositions, intended for large spaces, such as hotel lobbies, etc. That was in 1972. I continue with that same theme today, and include landscapes, topography, and the human form as my subject matter, all presented as a minimalist construction.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Two moments, actually. The first again was in my senior year at Cal Arts, where I was taught mathematics for artists, by Allan Schoen, a former NASA scientist. Math was always my weak spot growing up. The knowledge I gained in math during this class has served me well with so many paintings and drawings, and complicated compositions as well. The second moment was in 1996, while flying on a commercial flight to Seattle. From my window seat, I observed farmlands, mountains, rivers as I had never seen before. It was then that I decided to draw the land and all of its contours. My drawing books were in with my luggage, so I began to draw on air sickness bags, which the airline provides in the back seat pouch in front of you-perfect! Ball point pens worked very well, and I soon began documenting my airline travels as drawings on these bags. Back in my studio the drawings served as models for color-infused painting series. Around the same time I was given a fellowship by my gallery to paint in Costa Rica, which led to four more fellowships to paint in Costa Rica. My trips abroad since then have included Italy, Spain, Germany and Mexico, and approximately 400 drawings on airline sickness bags, something that I am very proud of.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Many times! While in art school I had a difficult time to conforming to the rigors of developing my natural ability to draw and paint with a teacher’s direction. It was there that I learned to apply myself even more when things got tough. One or two teachers taught me this trait. After I graduated, I discovered how difficult it was making a living as a fine art painter. But I was fortunate. I had exhibitions and rather quickly, Í was working with LA Art Reps, on commissions for projects requiring my art nation wide. But that was during the 1970’s. During the 80’s, my type of geometric work was not as popular as say abstract painting. Many times I was ready to give up, due to the lack of interest by reps and gallery directors, and I struggled to be who I knew I was-an artist. In the beginning of my art career I had no issues with selling my work, and I had some incredible studios. Those times can change rapidly, and in a few years, I ended up on the streets, finally staying on my fellow artist’s studio floor. Eventually I turned things around, all because I was not going to give up. I don’t know how to explain it, but the fact is you must reach farther, work harder, and not succumb to defeat-my mantra.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
As an artist, it is like you are naked in front of the entire world. As Popeye had said, “I am who I am…I’m Popeye the sailor man!” Well that’s me too. You make a mark on a painting and you are committed. I like to think that part of myself and who I am, is invested into the art, much like your DNA or your ID. Not so much the style of the painting, which is so visible, but the Alma, or soul that I put into my work can be recognized and felt. During a gallery reception for my painting shows, I am a public person, representing the artwork. But in the studio I am a different person, channeling ideas, feelings, and all that it takes to make my work come to life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That’s easy. I want the viewer to look at my art and think. That’s all. Think. So often we look at something but we don’t think about it. I want people to wonder why did I put this or that shape or color on the canvas. Then I have their complete attention. I get great pleasure talking with my audience about my art. Sometimes my paintings look so simple, until they step into them and really look. The geometry may be playing tricks, or the colors may change due to the colors next to it. That is with my geometric paintings. With my topographic and landscape paintings, the same can be said, along with a mountain range or river that one might recognize. Im still working with color and geometry, to construct a minimalistic and geometric interpretation of the land below.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.srjart.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephen.r.johns.1? utm_medium=copy_link
- Linkedin: https://Inkd.in/gVaHqEpi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenRobertJohnsArt/
- Youtube: https://YouTube.be/V9JgSOtEsZE
Image Credits
Kylin Gallery, Beverly Hills CA
Gallery Chang, NY, NY & Seoul Korea
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
