Abstract Painter David Stephen Johnson: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist

An Interview With Edward Sylvan

…Try to solve the issues before quickly jumping to a different color. I have been told that abstract work is problem-solving. And I find myself looking at the work much. Solve the problem first in the palette you are using. Fight the impulse to add color to solve issues.

As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing David Johnson.

David Stephen Johnson, from David Stephen Johnson Studio, is an abstract painter based in Westport, Connecticut. In addition to his numerous U.S. exhibits, his European debut was marked by a group show in 2021 at Galerie Sonia Monti in Paris, followed by an invitation from the renowned Latin American gallery and auction house Galeria Azur, at their most recently inaugurated location in Madrid, Spain. Following the success of this group show, the gallery decided to include David in their permanent representation roster. Van Gogh Art Gallery, also located in Madrid, which selected David’s work to be presented at the International Contemporary Art Fair in Paris. David will be making his debut in New York with his latest collection of abstract expressionism at Artexpo New York, taking place at Pier 36 in Manhattan, October 28–31, 2021. This is David’s first solo show in New York following his European Summer tour.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in a suburb of St.Paul MN from 4 years of age to, Oldest of 5 kids. I played football, baseball and hockey. All conference quarterback in high school and recruited by South Dakota State University where I played until a severe injury
ended my career. Went back to MN and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

When living in Chicago in the ’80s my girlfriend introduced me to a sculptor who was doing his Ph.D. at the Chicago Art Institute. We hit it off because of a common interest in art and music. I started drawing and painting in his studio (in the bowels of the Institute) and was encouraged by him to keep painting. With his encouragement, I got my first gallery.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I was recovering from a ski accident where I had broken 7 ribs. It was weeks before I could manage any effort to paint. When I could muster up the strength to paint, I chose a canvas that I had ready — a 7 x 9 ft canvas.
Because of my injuries I could only paint awkwardly and just a little at a time. I kept at it, doing what I could over time. I was happy I could paint at all. When finished, this painting became one of my best to date and chosen star of my show at the current New York Art Expo.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I have started sculpting in wood and other found materials. It has opened me up to other ways of approaching my art. Using space and light in new ways.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Matthew Shelley, an artist, professor, entrepreneur. He helps you think about what you are doing so you can dig deeper into your process and what it means. He can give you ideas that correlate to your essence, interests and abilities that provide a rich area in which to be aware of and to explore. Here are some of the comments he made over a two-year time period. “Let it rest and see within time that you may be done”, “Try starting at the outside of your work and bring it in”. “Try sanding a work. I will bring in my electric sander for you to try”. “Here is a way to follow your marks and enhance them (filling in the shapes that are small but impactful)”. He demonstrated how to make abstract work in photography and how it can inspire and create ideas for painting.

Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?

I live close to the beach which is all inspiring. But mostly I get inspired by reading and studying in-depth about the founding artists of abstract expressionism. And those that followed — the second generation. I will never forget the time I was in the Metropolitan Museum In New York in the American Wing. Three paintings shook me to my core. First, a Pollock — the size of the piece was much to behold — how did someone keep up the tremendous energy of that painting at that scale. Mesmerizing. Next the De Kooning painting with the incredible angles, layers, and colors — the genius of the finished painting. And lastly Cy Twombly — the mark-making was so original and it all added up to a magnificent statement. To this day I have awe for the creations I saw by these magnificent artists. I go back in my mind and see those works so clearly. Astonishing.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I am raising a 5-year-old and 12-year-old to be good citizens. The Universal Unitarian church is where we donate and volunteer to help relocate immigrants from Afghanistan, help feed the homeless and fight for the rights of the disadvantaged. It starts with us and we are all in this together. We have to start by looking at ourselves and begin where we live. We cannot wait and rely on institutions. As Patti Smith said, “people have the power” and we have to use it with each other to solve our human and survival needs. We are in a critical time and we all must rise to its challenges.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started as an artist” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

1. Do not try to solve it in one session. After a while you are just pushing paint around. And when that happens it is smart to put it down and come back in the morning.
2. Try to solve the issues before quickly jumping to a different color. I have been told that abstract work is problem-solving. And I find myself looking at the work much. Solve the problem first in the palette you are using. Fight the impulse to add color to solve issues.
3. Mistakes are to be welcomed. I find I control not as much as I thought and “mistakes” are not to be loathed, but welcomed as another part of the unfolding process. They can add magic.
4. Don’t throw it away — just put it aside. No matter how unsatisfactory a painting can be I no longer dump a major effort in the trash. I put in mothballs and try again another day, months away, even years.
5. The only person who paints like you is you.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Start a volunteer crypto coin. Give the coins out to charities that they can use to incentivize volunteers.

We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.

Joe Bradley. He is extremely talented and seems to do his thing without hesitation. He appears introverted which would match my personality. I would like to hear his thoughts on life and what interests him.

What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?

Instagram — david.stephen.johnson.art

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!