Artistic Motivation and Inspiration with Artist Heather Johnston- Interviewed by DJ Ev

DJ Ev of Daybreak Star Radio, the only radio station that Indigenizes the airwaves, interviews artist Heather Johnston. Heather’s art was displayed at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center; her mix of aquatic influenced paintings and ledger-based art transformed the walls of the center into a vibrant feast for the senses.

Heather Johnston is a part of the Unangan (Aluet)/ Alutiiq people and grew up in Alaska where her passion first sparked among the vast and varying artistic landscapes. Though she now lives in Oregon, she still draws inspiration from her childhood home. Having now gone up and down the West Coast, Heather notes that though everywhere has its own unique artistic style, there is a commonality that is beautiful to behold. The culture of each Nation has something that connects us all, and it is most obvious when looking at the art.

Spending much of her childhood watching her father express his artistic passions through basketmaking, Heather says watching him do this instilled in her the confidence to move from art as a hobby to a more serious pursuit. Now as an adult, and mother to seven children of her own, Heather carries on the tradition of passing the love of art down to the next generation. Working mostly in her own living room with the constant noises that come with a house full of children surrounding her, Heather gets to share her joy of creation with her children whether in passing or in practice.

Though her style overall wasn’t affected by her move from Alaska, like all great artists her work has evolved over time. She originally started in a more traditional style of painting and even dabbled in sculpture before landing on her current style. But just because she found this style doesn’t mean she has left behind everything else. Heather is also dabbling in ivory sculpture and hopes to one day come full circle with the making of a basket.

DJ Ev dives more into the process of creating and steers the conversation towards how Heather specifically finds inspiration. Not surprisingly, the process is different depending on the type of art she is creating. She talks about how her paintings come from her soul, that she almost never plans them out. She will simply look at a blank canvas and the art will pour out of her. Heather mostly focuses on the feeling she wants the piece to convey and allows it to show through the paint. On the other hand, with her ledger-style art, it takes more planning. She focuses on what will fit within the confines of the map or seeks out a specific map that fits the needs or ideas she has had.

When it comes to artistic block, Heather is no stranger to the feeling of the lack of inspiration. Her advice to other artists is to try something new, focus on a different piece or style, or take a break entirely. Give yourself a moment to rest and reset before trying again.

The last piece of wisdom that Heather believes to be most crucial for other people who feel the pull to create art is to never doubt yourself. If you love creating and have a passion for it, do it. Heather talks about how not everyone is going to like what you create, but that’s okay. People will come around who love it, and that’s where your audience lies. Never give up.

Though Heather Johnston’s art is no longer hanging in the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, she does have upcoming shows, including an international show in Reno. Keep your eyes open for her upcoming shows, as her art is not to be missed.