We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Feature Story: From Nursing to Artistry – My Journey with White Dog Gallery

I am Amy Johnson, a retired registered nurse who dedicated over 30 years to mental health. Transitioning from nursing to artistry has been a transformative journey that has allowed me to express my creativity and passion in new ways. Through White Dog Gallery, I specialize in various media types including ink, acrylic, and watercolor, each reflecting different facets of my artistic exploration.

The name “White Dog Gallery” holds a special place in my heart, named after my muse and constant companion, Lilly. Lilly, a Tree Walker Coonhound rescue, and Riley, a Great Dane and Black Lab mix rescue, bring joy and inspiration to my life, influencing my artwork with their presence and spirit.

Nature and spirituality are central themes in my paintings, reflecting my deep connection to the natural world and my exploration of Wicca. Each piece is imbued with themes of transformation, renewal, and spiritual symbolism, inviting viewers to connect with the beauty and magic of life.

White Dog Gallery is not just a studio; it’s a sanctuary where art becomes a pathway for healing and self-discovery. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my journey, from nursing to creating art that speaks to the soul and touches the hearts of those who experience it.

Through my work, I hope to inspire others to explore their own passions and find solace in the transformative power of creativity. White Dog Gallery is a tribute to resilience, beauty, and the profound connections that art and spirituality can forge in our lives.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve had a rich and fulfilling journey that has led me from a career in mental health nursing to establishing White Dog Gallery, a sanctuary where art and spirituality converge. With over 30 years in mental health, I transitioned into artistry as a means of personal expression and healing.

White Dog Gallery is not just a studio but a creative haven where I specialize in ink, acrylic, and watercolor. Each medium allows me to explore different dimensions of creativity, from the bold, fluid movements of acrylic to the delicate, detailed work of ink and watercolor. My art is deeply influenced by my love for nature and my spiritual journey through Wicca, infusing themes of transformation, renewal, and spiritual symbolism into each piece.

What sets White Dog Gallery apart is its fusion of art with themes of nature and spirituality, creating a unique narrative that resonates with viewers on a deeper level. My paintings are not merely decorative; they serve as conduits for introspection and connection to the natural world.

I am most proud of the community that has grown around my artwork and the conversations it sparks about healing, spirituality, and the beauty of nature. Through my art, I aim to inspire others to explore their own spiritual paths and find solace in creativity.

Potential clients and followers should know that White Dog Gallery offers more than just paintings; it offers an experience—a journey into the intersection of art, nature, and spirituality. Whether through commissioned artworks, workshops on art and spirituality, or simply engaging with my portfolio, I strive to create meaningful connections and moments of reflection.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story and passion with your readers. I look forward to continuing this journey of creativity and connection through White Dog Gallery.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Throughout my journey from mental health nursing to establishing White Dog Gallery, the most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the transformative power of art in people’s lives. Art has a unique ability to transcend words, offering solace, healing, and a profound connection to both oneself and the world around us.

In my 30 years in mental health, I witnessed firsthand the struggles individuals face and the healing potential of creative expression. Transitioning into artistry allowed me to channel this understanding into my work at White Dog Gallery. Through ink, acrylic, and watercolor, I explore themes of nature, spirituality, and personal growth—themes that resonate deeply with my audience.

The most rewarding moments come when clients and viewers share how my art has touched them, evoking emotions or inspiring personal reflection. Whether it’s a commissioned piece that captures a cherished memory or a workshop participant discovering their own creative voice, these interactions reaffirm the purpose behind my work.

White Dog Gallery isn’t just about selling paintings; it’s about fostering connections and creating meaningful experiences through art. Each piece tells a story, inviting others to explore their own narratives and find moments of beauty and tranquility amidst life’s challenges.

As I continue to evolve as an artist and spiritual explorer, the most rewarding aspect remains the opportunity to share this journey with others, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential of creativity and the enduring power of art to heal and inspire.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that creativity and business are mutually exclusive pursuits. Coming from a background in mental health nursing, where compassion and patient care were paramount, I initially struggled to reconcile my passion for art with the practicalities of running a business.

The backstory begins with my transition from nursing to establishing White Dog Gallery. Initially, I approached art solely as a means of personal expression and healing, without considering the business aspects. It wasn’t until I faced challenges in marketing my artwork, managing finances, and navigating the art market that I realized the importance of blending creativity with entrepreneurship.

I had to unlearn the notion that art should exist purely in the realm of inspiration and emotion. Instead, I embraced learning about branding, digital marketing, and customer engagement—essential skills to grow White Dog Gallery into a sustainable venture.

Through this journey, I discovered that creativity and business are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. Embracing this lesson allowed me to approach my art with a newfound sense of purpose and strategic thinking, ensuring that each piece not only speaks to the soul but also reaches its intended audience effectively.

Today, I continue to evolve as an artist and entrepreneur, driven by the belief that artistry can thrive in harmony with business acumen. White Dog Gallery stands as a testament to this integration, where creativity meets commerce to create meaningful experiences and connections through art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whitedoggallerybyamyjohnson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitedoggallery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyBoxers
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhiteDogGalleryByAmyJohnson