Artist Laura Adel Johnson, is a fine example of an Australian doing it, and doing it well in New York. Being half Perthian and half American, she’s lucky enough to have one foot planted in the sunny land of beers and universal healthcare, and the other in the country of extreme possibilities but every (wo) man for himself/herself.

Johnson’s relatively recent choice to relocate back and brave the NY winter has convinced us that she is admirably bold enough to make it here. If she doesn’t put her own name in lights (view Johnson’s work above and in the gallery below and you’ll understand what I mean), someone else is bound to do it soon enough.

Tell me about your art background and practice.
I think I’m best described as a multi-media artist. I tend to dabble and experiment with many mediums to create my work. Back when I was still studying I was making a lot of video and performance based pieces. I have now become more interested in installation and drawings. I like the idea of making art out of and inspired by my immediate environment. In late 2007 (during the Christmas period) I did a residency at the Bemis Center in Omaha, Nebraska and from this experience I began making large-scale drawings out of party lights. Since then I have continued to focus on these light works. I mostly make images of women but for my most recent work I drew an image of a weeping Jesus Christ from the crucifixion.

Where do you tend to draw your ideas from?
I mostly draw ideas from things that are going on around me in my everyday life. My work, relationships and my environment. My recent move to Brooklyn has definitely had an influence on some concepts I am developing. At the moment I’ve really been enjoying riding the public transport here. These temporal, and transitional spaces are great for people watching and contemplating. There are many eccentric and inspiring people in the city. I also draw ideas from pop culture. Reality TV, trashy magazines, advertising and the phenomenon known as Facebook.

Are there any recurring themes in your work that you explore/seem to be drawn to?
I like the idea of making work about the absurdity of existence, finding something spectacular within the mundanity of everyday life. It’s also important to me to make work that is not only conceptual but aesthetically pleasing to the viewer. Hence the colour and the flashing lights.

What projects are you currently working on?
At the moment I’m really getting into making two-dimensional works again. I’m especially enjoying making kitschy collages. I’m also working on finding materials to use for a new installation. I’ve been scavenging around Brooklyn actually finding a lot of discarded Christmas decorations. I love how these objects are so irreverently adored for such a short period each year and then simply tossed in the trash.

What is it about New York that inspires you?
There are so many things about New York that inspire me. I think it’s not so much the space but the people that live in this city that inspires me the most. All the slightly crazy, creative characters that I am fortunate enough to interact with. You can almost feel the ideas floating in the air here, it’s an exciting environment to live in.

Can you name some New York artists that we should check out, and tell me why you like them.
A friend showed me the work of the artist Lauren Clay the other day. I’m pretty sure she’s not actually from New York, though I know she has shown here. Her paper sculptures are really amazing and worth checking out. Also look up the artist Adam Parker Smith. I really enjoy his textile based sculptural works. They are darkly humorous, violent, romantic and a little sad.

Is there anything else we should know about you?
Watch this space: lauraadeljohnson.blogspot.com




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