Interview by Jimon
1) You live in Los Angeles, what do you think of the art scene? The Los Angeles art scene is inspired, there’s a lot of history here, cool galleries, tiny hidden spaces, epic museums, murals, so many new ways of exposure and ideas, limitless views and visions.
2) What is your earliest childhood memory that tells you could be an artist? In second grade I won an art related award on KCET for a painting of Uncle Sam.
3) Eric Ernest Johnson, one word to describe him? Dreamer
4) Whose art did you follow growing up? As a kid I liked the Babar Books, Richard Scary, Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein, I still love them, they are my teachers.
5) Your work is extremely colorful and happy, is that a sign of who you are? I enjoy making art, so yes. Much of my work is UP!!! I have many different styles. I like to explore, sometimes modern colorful pattern play, sometimes more narrative dark visions ( i.e.: nature vs. man stories.) My art comes together in a very organic way. First thought best thought. I enjoy the process of discovery.
6) Have you ever come across a piece of art that you could not stop looking at? “Christ’s Entrance Into Brussels” by James Ensor, anything Hundertwasser, and the Watts Towers.
7) Do you have a place/person/thing that you visit for inspiration? Big Sur, the Desert, bicycling around Los Angeles.
8) Name three things you can’t live without in your studio? Well, first was my cat Albion who just died, but I’m still working. Second is my studio’s large barn doors that give me this great indoor/outdoor workspace. Third is my Dad’s 1940’s Blaupunkt radio playing classical on KUSC.
9) If you could have dinner with 3 artists living/dead who would be at your table? Niki de Saint Phalle, Joseph Beuys, Tsuguharu Foujita.
10) What forth-coming projects and or exhibitions do you have scheduled? Currently have a show of paintings at OTHER here in Los Angeles. I’m directing a short film, and working on large totems. I’m fabricating them out of steel so they will also work outdoors. Also I have a group show later this year as well.
11) Anything else you’d like to mention that I didn’t ask? I just would say that I love being here and now.
The Following pieces of his work are available for purchase.
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