Meet Allison Johnson | Artist & Academic

We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
How do I define success? I keep checking back in with myself about this question as my understanding of personal success is ever evolving. Being an artist and academic I am always chipping away at goals I have, some being multi-year goals, others being goals achievable in a day. Ultimately, I see my success in creating habits that embrace the beauty of the world and sharing that magic with others. Staying true to who I am yet allowing myself to grow in both familiar and unpredictable ways. Sometimes the path is straight, other times it is windy, and sometimes you need to forge a new path, but what matters most is your attitude traveling your path and the condition in which you leave your path for others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artwork serves as a platform to elevate cultural and environmental ideas and ideals. My previous body of work, “A New American Dream” traverses the hierarchical systems of power within the United State through a queer/feminist lens. While my newer artwork seems to be centering on environmental change, wild horse herds, and community. The artwork consists primarily of hand pulled prints and oil paintings, but if the artwork calls for drawings, performance, photography, installation or video, I do not limit myself.

Going forward, I am excited about a large-scale artist’s book project I am collaborating on with artist Todd Anderson, and scientist Gary Machlis. This book will creatively document water moving through the Everglades through hand-pulled woodcut and intaglio prints and literary essays.

Professionally, I am an artist and educator. I teach printmaking and painting at the University of North Georgia while pursuing my own artistic endeavors. I feel lucky to share my passion with eager students while still having time to create. Growing up in Minnesota/Wisconsin, I never imagined myself living in Atlanta, GA, but saying “Yes”, continuing my education, and following my gut has brought me here. I have learned so much about myself throughout the process, which has not always been easy, but has been worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Perfect question–my friend visited last weekend and I will give you our itinerary. To start the day we would head to Alon’s for coffee and multiple treats. From there we would head to the Botanical Garden, Piedmont park or the High Museum of Art (depending on the weather and what friend is in town). Depending on the next food craving, we would hit up the Buford Highway or Slutty Vegan. Once properly fed, it would be time for stellar tiki drinks and Atmosphere at the Mambo Zombie. From there we would head to a Wussy event, an opening at the Bakery, or Kai Lin Gallery– just depends on what is happening.

The next day, we would head north to Dahlonega to check out some waterfalls and wine. I would also bring them to the barn to ride my horse through the Chattahoochee National Forest. Some good hiking places near Dahlonega are Amicalola Falls State Park, Vogel State Park, Helton Creek Falls, DeSoto Falls and Preachers Rock. For wine we would go to Cavenders creek (fun music and farm animals), and Kaya Vineyards (mountain views). If you are not a wine person, try out Etowah Meadery–yes, they serve mead (honey wine), but they also have fantastic beer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, the recognition list goes on a mile. My family and life-partners have always been encouraging and entertained by my creative force. The people closest to me have made me feel confident and capable, thus I have grown to be confident and capable. They share my joy and artwork with others, and the best advertisement is word of mouth.

Todd Anderson is my art/academic mentor, friend and collaborator. He was my Masters of Fine Arts advisor and has taught me printmaking and teaching techniques that I utilize in my academic and art career. I go to him and his partner for art/teaching/life advice quite often–I bring beer to compensate for their time ;^). Todd has believed in me and given me opportunities to flourish.

Finally, I have to give a shoutout to the animals in my life. I have a 12 year old dog, Tedd, and a horse named Phoenix. These animals give me peace, teach me patience, and force me to go outside for a few hours everyday. When I am riding Phoenix through the North Georgia Mountains with Tedd a few steps behind I feel complete.

Website: www.allisonraejohnson.com

Instagram: johnsoallr

Image Credits
Image are my own