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Art & Life with Robin Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Johnson.

Robin, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My family had a little hotel in Palm Springs that my great-grandmother built in the 1940’s. It was very quaint, pink and turquoise with striped awnings and fruit trees and each room had these big modern paintings by my great-uncle. I loved spending time there, exploring the spaces and the surrounding desert. I was very creative, though it never occurred to me that I could be an artist.

I grew up in Encinitas and was active outdoors so I became a graphic designer to find a creative outlet to fuse my love of the outdoors and the arts. I lived in Colorado for a few years and decided I wanted to go back to school. I moved to Laguna Beach to attend an art school there and started designing for a contemporary gallery in town. All of these influences just started coming together and I realized that painting is what I wanted to be doing I just hadn’t known how to get there.

I’m now an archivist for the artist Tony DeLap, teach studio arts at Loyola Marymount University and Fullerton College and have an art studio in Laguna Beach. I also have an incredibly cute puppy, Taos!

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m an oil painter. I create paintings that reflect my experiences of living and growing up in California. I’m always asking questions in my work, things I want to understand or examine further, though I definitely don’t always solve them…

My work is constantly evolving and I’m inspired by interior design and mixed media work. Those in combination with my graphic design background play a large role in my artmaking process. I’m also a huge shopper you can find me at flea markets sourcing out new material. I primarily paint from life or stage my scenes, reinforcing my experience and the filter of my voice.

I also love just getting outside and making something. I take a watercolor journal with me when I travel.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Make your studio your sanctuary and create honest work in there.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I post new work, studio visits, and upcoming exhibitions on my website.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Kate Doss

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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