Featured Users: Becca_Johnson

BIO:

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Becca Johnson was sure at the age of six that she was destined to be a dog. As she grew older, however, she realized she needed a Plan B and began to pursue the arts instead. She now lives in Savannah, GA and spends her time inside a brightly decorated shoebox where she writes music and creates illustrations for school, clients, and herself. She enjoys short stories that make her laugh, improving her Spanish, and dousing everything in balsamic vinegar. Someday, she would like to have a big, empty barn for a studio and a beautiful bath tub to soak in.

What got you into art?

It's tough to pinpoint any particular person, time, or place that sparked my interest in art. As a kid, there was nothing I hated more than a long afternoon following my folks through an art museum. I enjoyed doodling, but the possibility of becoming an artist wasn't something I spent much time thinking about. It wasn't until high school that I attempted a serious drawing, and I was pleasantly surprised with the result. Suddenly I had this fantastic new outlet for channeling creative energy, which was exciting and empowering. I jumped right in without a lick of experience or training and let myself get swallowed up in a sea of experiments -- some were successful and others were complete disasters -- but I was learning, improving, and most importantly, playing.

How long have you been doing it?

I'd like to think there's been a little art in my blood since the day I was born. It grew with me, and now, it's in everything I do and see.

Were you classically trained (taken any classes)?

In high school, I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful and talented instructor who introduced me to the field of illustration. Later, I attended a state-funded arts program called Governor's School for the Fine Arts where I took my first classes in painting and printmaking. When I graduated high school, I attended Indiana University as a fine arts major and struggled for a few years to find my niche within the department. I declared a printmaking concentration but quickly realized my heart was in illustration and visual communication. In 2008, I transferred to the Savannah College of Art + Design, where I'm currently pursuing my B.F.A. in illustration with a minor concentration in graphic design.

What kind of materials (paints, etc) do you use?

Graphite, Charcoal, Colored Pencil, India Ink, Acrylic Inks, Nail Polish, White Out, Instant Coffee, Newspaper, Wallpaper, Fabric Swatches, Stamps, Maps, Old Letters, Dirt, and of course, Photoshop!

What is your favorite piece from your own collection?

I don't know that I have a favorite, but I'm pretty fond of Wilde and the Nightingale.

What’s the story behind it?

I've always enjoyed reading Oscar Wilde -- and talk about a memorable mug! I tend to exaggerate facial features in my portraits of people, so working with such an interesting face was a lot of fun. I chose imagery from his story The Nightingale and the Rose to suggest a narrative in the background. I'd like to push this series and create a body of illustrations that could be used in classroom settings, since educational posters are rarely nice to look at.

What inspires your artwork?

Oh god, just about everything. The legs of old couches, the dried glue on the backs of stamps, the soft pink pads on the bottom of my cat's feet. Mexican textiles, Indian matchbooks, and the intricate patterns of Islamic art and architecture. Bumps in noses, half-grown beards, and old, beautiful dresses. The splashes of food in favorite cookbooks and the wobbly stitches in handmade sweaters. Also, music. Music always inspires me to create new work.

Besides art, what are some of your other interests?

Music was my first love. My father gave me a half-size acoustic guitar when I was six, and I've been writing and singing ever since. (I have a handful of tracks available on my page in the audio section.) When I'm not wrapped up in art or music, I'm most likely trying out a new recipe, adding to my ever-growing collection of boots, or ghost-hunting in Savannah. My orange tabbies light up my life, and my sweet, neurotic Labrador is a constant source of pleasure. I'm fascinated by all animals, big and small, and I try to live my life in a way that supports the equal consideration and ethical treatment of all species.

What are some of your favorite pieces (or people) on quarterlife.com? (please provide links)

Dex (http://quarterlife.com/dex2988) was one of the first people I communicated with on Quarterlife. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his music was always a pleasure to listen to.

I'm also a big fan of the user PJS's (http://quarterlife.com/PJS) oil paintings, which show a wonderful sense of drama and human expression.

Where are you looking to take your art work?

My future as an illustrator is full of unknowns, and I like it that way. My only hope is that I'm able to fuse my interests and use my work to support the organizations and communities that are important to me.

How do you feel quarterlife has helped in your development as an artist?

Quarterlife is such a neat, innovative concept. Blurring the boundary between television, the internet, scripted drama and social networking is pretty fascinating, and I've really enjoyed being a part of the community. Quarterlife has helped me to gain exposure and correspond with other artists, musicians, and writers from all over the country