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

Pamela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I wish I had started my creative career sooner in life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a retired Pediatric & NICU RN, wife, and Mother of two (now adult children). I’m also an Air Force “Brat” in which we were blessed to live in Germany twice for a total of seven years of my childhood. We moved every 3 to 4 years in the military until I graduated high school and my Father retired.

I always loved art and wanted to take art classes in school as a child when they were an option, however I was always placed in other classes. After recovering from a car accident in 2013 (then P.T. as well as 2 hand surgeries) a friend shared a beautiful dot Mandala painting on social media. I was in awe and mesmerized by its beauty and gorgeous, vibrant colors! I share this to explain what a therapeutic miracle this art form was and IS to me! I went through a long recovery process involving my dominant right hand and back.
My friend explained that the artist of the painting she shared did YouTube tutorials, and my art journey was born! This was in November, 2017, and I still love the art of dot Mandala painting. I am “self taught” (from watching videos). A few years ago, I branched out into Epoxy Resin art as well, which I also really enjoy creating, and have done a few acrylic and resin pour paintings on canvas/canvas boards.
My art items include (but are not limited to) canvases, stones, tealight candle holders, jewelry, mugs, glasses, ornaments, coasters, suncatchers, trinket dishes, cupcake stands, various home décor pieces and paper weights. I’ve received feedback from customers that my art provides cherished pieces to gaze upon, and also make wonderful, functional gifts for loved ones, friends, and teachers.

What I feel sets my art apart from others, is that I’m not a “traditional” artist – I’m known for my Mandala art in my community, and there aren’t many Mandala artists in the area. Also, I paint primarily with acrylics, seal the art, and often embellish my art with Swarovski crystals. I’m very precise in my art (I’ve been told I’m a “perfectionist” when it comes to my art) & the quality and finishing touches to make it last.

I’m most proud of a 20×20 inch Peacock painting I did that sold. It took me two and a half months to paint, spending hours each day to create. A second piece I’m most proud of is a violin in which I was given artistic freedom to paint Mandala designs for a Central Texas Philharmonic fundraiser. I was so honored and humbled to have been asked & excited that it brought the highest bid at the auction, selling for $900. to be given as scholarships to Orchestra students! (I was blessed with season tickets to the Central Texas Philharmonic concerts for painting the violin).

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

For myself, the most rewarding aspect are the therapeutic benefits received in not only creating art, but enjoying the results as well (for both the artist and recipients). Creating is very meditative, which was a pleasant surprise to me when I first began! It has many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Recent life events in my on going art journey that illustrates my resilience is that despite many obstacles, including: a recent family death, full time care givers now for a family member (and all that entails), and suffering however blessed to survive yet another traumatic car accident with injuries, followed by additional health issues – I STILL joyfully couldn’t wait to be able to create art again, and art continues to help me heal physically, mentally, and spiritually!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: MandalasByPamela
• Facebook: Mandalasbypamela
• Other: My art is posted on Instagram primarily. I’m also involved in art events through Round Rock Arts and Culture, the BACA Center CAC, and currently have paintings at the “Healing Gardens” gallery at St. David’s Hospital in Georgetown, TX. I list upcoming events where my art can be seen/purchased on Instagram and Facebook.

Image Credits
N/A (Taken by Artist: Pam Johnson)