Artist Interview | Eric Johnston

HAZE.GALLERY: What inspired you to pursue a career in fine art, particularly within the realm of surrealism?

Eric Johnston: When I was a senior in high school, the first college I applied to was the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. That opportunity seemed impossible at the time because of the expenses associated with living in California. So, I studied economics and nursing while eventually becoming a real estate broker. Then in 2006 a friend, an art professor, invited me to spend a summer traveling through France while painting. I discovered a passion and talent for painting and from that point forward I painted every day without stopping. Then in 2013, my life circumstances allowed me to revisit the idea of attending art school, so I moved to California and attended the Academy of Art in San Francisco.

H.G : Can you tell us about your creative process and how you bring your ideas to life on canvas?

E.J:  The paintings I create are based on projecting my passions through imagery connecting our lives and collective experiences. My art begins as an event or occurrence in life that is not always obvious or objective. I will take that idea, event, or circumstance and start to write or sketch thoughts and symbols connecting the painting with myself and the audience. In the end, you are left with an image that explains a simple event in an abstract and far-reaching fantasy of the subconscious.

H.G: How has your style and artistic vision evolved over time?

 E.J: In the beginning, before art school, I was very non-objective abstract by nature and my mind has always worked in a very geometrical way. Art school then taught me a more traditional foundation and while attending the Academy of Art I found a love and talent for still life. Since becoming a professional artist, I have incorporated my passion for psychology and the human condition into every aspect of painting. The result is a seamless blend of styles.

H.G: How has your work been received by critics and art enthusiasts?

E.J: I have been lucky to receive very positive feedback. I think that comes from my intention to speak a language everyone can understand. I want my paintings to bridge the gaps between cultures, so I try to find a way everyone can relate, and dreams seem to be the most neutral space to connect. 

H.G: What do you hope viewers take away from your artwork?

E.J: My artwork should bring a moment of peace and mindfulness to the audience. I want spectators to stop and think about the chaotic existence we share in our collective reality. Then I want them to consider our connections in the subconscious realm. Through this multi-dimensional awareness, I believe we can grow our empathy and connection to each other without having to experience real-world issues. 

H.G: Can you discuss a particular exhibition that you found especially challenging or rewarding to put together?

E.J.: One of my biggest challenges to date was participating in an art fair overseas. For the 2019 Artrooms Art Fair in London I had the challenge of figuring out the logistics of international shipping, customs, travel, setup, marketing, global sales, and finally shipping unsold work back to the U.S. It was a lot of stress and work but it turned out to be one of the greatest rewards of my career. It was an international show with artists from all over the world and an incredibly diverse audience. It was my first time exhibiting in the E.U. (prior to Brexit) and I was not disappointed. The conversations and connections I made in the process were much more constructive than anything I had experienced before. 

H.G.: What's the most challenging obstacle you've had to overcome as a professional artist?

E.J.: I would have to say the most difficult thing I have yet to overcome as a professional is breaking down the communication barriers between galleries and artists like myself. Without access to agency representation like so many creative industries have, artists, are left alone to find a way into the highly privileged art societies we depend on. Often, a strict barrier prevents artists from creating their own destiny and often there is no way around it. Still to this day, I try to find ways of showing my work to top-tier galleries, only to find they have no interest in listening. So every day I find myself holding onto the hope that eventually through persistence and hard work I can maximize my exposure to the collectors who desire my artwork. 

H.G.: Who are some of your biggest artistic influences and sources of inspiration?

E.J: I have a very broad spectrum of influences and inspirations. My family has always been a huge influence on both my interest and my success in art. Without my strong family support, I would not be able to do what I do. Museums have also been a prodigious source of inspiration from the time I was a child. I have always felt at home in art museums where I often get lost in a subconscious dream realm. However, the artists that have consistently been of influence are Wassily Kandinsky, Yves Tanguy, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Rene Margritte, and so many others. Artists before the mid-20th century had some influence on my work to some extent. 

H.G.: How do you navigate the business side of the art world, from selling paintings to networking with other artists?

E.J: Most of my business has come from exhibiting my paintings as much as possible. I do not have a strong social media presence, so I try to make the most out of my art shows. Spreading my work out across many platforms has helped bring attention to my work. While participating in exhibitions I meet as many artists and patrons as I can so that my work becomes recognizable. Having a good website and webstore helps so I am always working to improve my online portfolio. 

H.G: What can we expect next from you in terms of future exhibitions or artistic endeavors?

E.J: My hope is to continue expanding my exposure to as many parts of the world as I can. I would like to curate and exhibit collections in a more complete way, giving the audience a more compelling experience. Through showcasing my work to the world, I intend to help bring awareness to the most vital issues of our time as I document contemporary history through surrealism for future generations. 

Please follow Eric Johnston on Instagram 

Q's by Irina Rusinovich