We recently connected with Shannon Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Shannon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I’ve always been compelled to create and making art has always been my passion. Over the years I’ve noticed a building tension whenever I didn’t have a creative outlet in my life. Painting is one of the ways that I de-stress. It helps me be present and brings me a lot of joy. A few months ago I experienced a life-altering event. My painting practice is giving me a way to work through it. I’m currently working on artwork for a solo show I will be having at dk Gallery in Marietta, GA. Dec. 4. Some of the paintings are abstract and working on them has allowed me to process my emotions in a very free and exploratory way while others are more literal and allow me to process some of the events in my life. I think this series of paintings has been the most meaningful series I’ve created to date because the process has helped me heal.

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 am a mixed media artist inspired by nature and the creative process. The organic shapes, textures, and colors found in nature are a constant source of peace and wonder. I seek to capture the essence of my experience with nature in my art and share it with those who view it. I allow the medium to do what it naturally does with gentle guidance when painting. It is a meditative and intuitive process. I seek to create a balance between harmony and contrast, simplicity and accumulation, and stillness and motion. Flow, being in the zone, that mental state when one becomes fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus and enjoyment in the process is where painting takes me.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I really enjoy the community aspect of Instagram. I have spent a lot of hours scrolling, engaging, and posting on the platform. I fill my professional feed with artists that inspire me every day. My following has grown organically over the years. At times I have put a lot of effort into building an audience but most of my growth has been a slow process. I’ve looked at others with larger followings and been frustrated but what I try to focus on is the community. The numbers really don’t matter as much as the friendships I’ve created, the artists I’ve been able to engage with all over the world, and the ease with which we can all share our stories.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are several podcasts that I like to listen to that focus on the business side of being an artist. Listening to these motivate me and teach me how to be an entrepreneur and the CEO of my creative business.

The Art Biz with Alyson Stanfield
Do It For the Process from Emily Jeffords
I Like Your Work with Erika Hess
The Laura Horn Art Podcast
The Goal Digger Podcast
The Savvy Painter with Antrese Wood
Create!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shannondeanajohnson.com/
• Instagram: Shannondeanajohnson
• Facebook: Shannon Deana Johnson Art