Check Out Miles Johnson’s Story

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

Hi Miles, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got started in Covid, i was working on my IPad for a couple months trying to animate myself walking across my college graduation stage. This got me really comfortable with my drawing app. So when it came time to move into my new apartment, I thought it would be more meaningful and cheaper to decorate the house with my own art.

How I got here, is interesting conundrum. I never had the intention to get this far, I just kept following the breadcrumbs my artwork has led me. They say college is the best years of your life, and I believe that’s a popular theory because you are conveniently placed in an environment where you can explore with other curious individuals. Embarking on this art journey has been a wonderful continuation of that paradigm.

I’ve made murals next to my old highschool, I taught people how to paint in Spain, I had solo shows and exhibitions. I had moments of selling art in front of a Walgreens’s that was hosted by a man with a fork as a necklace, got my artwork caught in 2 hurricanes so far and even had my canvas ripped days before a show. It’s a rollercoaster of a story being an artist and I just enjoy the ride

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was told early by an artist, “Be careful, that I gave a lot of artwork away for free”. Initially I thought he just meant he donated them until I realized fist hand what “free” really means. I sold paintings but with the cost of material, energy and sentiments with the pieces it’s just not worth it. I have paintings in homes, I would love to have back, no fault to the collector it’s just you don’t know how much an art piece means to you until it’s gone

Absolutely not, my first year as artist I did 6 shows and barely broke even at the end of it. I had to make 30 pieces and mural 40 days before my show. I painted in bitter cold and hot suns because I used my mom’s garage as a studio..

But it’s blessing to say it’s all been surface level, I received a lot of love from the beginning and blessed to be surrounded by a community that help foster my career. For example when I made my website, I had a lady personally reach out to me and walk me through my own website settings so I can set up a print for her to purchase

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an oil painter , muralist and digital artist. My specialty is oil painting at this point. What sets me apart is the bold colors, geometric compositions and narrative that I like to put in my work. That’’s at least what I believe, but truthfully it’s just my story that I pour into my work.

I am most proud of my last big Piece “Common People Ain’t Common”, I initially got inspired to become my oil painter because I used to see my grandma paint while I was growing up. She passed away a day before she graduated and I made a silent promise to get good enough to paint her. It took me about 6 years of practice and I finally found made a piece that has her portrait.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Love the that black community thrives DC. I am consistently surrounded by high achieving individuals who relate to me. Home of go-go, great food scene, great brunch scenes. The metro is clean and easily accessible. I used to read books all the time on the way to school. Loved biking through the city, it’s the most compelling way see the city.

The least is the heat during the summer, it still has the spirit of a swamp and it gets humid to the highest order. You basically sweat before you can stress due to condensation.

Pricing:

• “Common People Ain’t Common” $10,000
• “These Moments Ain’t Common” $10,000
• “Lost Child” $5,000
• “Death of the Dancer” $5000
• “So she grew her own” 1500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mjonthewall.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd2OhFKIDxe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==