Congratulations to mixed media artist Johanna Curwood, our latest Instagram winner! Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Johanna traveled the globe before settling near Miami, FL, in 2021. “Having lived in so many places around the world—experiencing different cultures, lifestyles, human interactions, scenery, architecture, art, and all the worldly delights—they have all had an impact on my work today."
What's your art background? Are you self taught or did you study art?
Actually a little of both. Art found me during a pretty explosive and dark time in my life. I’m not sure I would have survived that period without it, and yet I knew nothing about the world I’d fallen into. This was well before social media and the vast amount of information at our fingertips. Blindly (and through blind luck), I managed to get two exhibitions under my belt before I took myself off to art school. Ultimately, it wasn’t for me; I felt stifled in the environment, and my creativity suffered. I parted ways during my second year.
Are you a full time artist or do you create around work hours?
Full-time. I have a home studio (converted double garage) and another separate double garage, which is technically my husband’s workshop but what I call ‘the framing department.’ My entire creative process, from start to finish, is done in-house and can be somewhat of a family affair at times. I am a wife and a mum to two daughters (10 and 13) and two dogs, so life is always busy. Having a home studio suits us as a family, although I’m also one of those crazy night owl types that work around the clock, known to stay up night after night, usually until I drop. Personal downtime is something I am aware - not yet mastered! I know this isn’t sustainable, especially as I become busier while maintaining family life. I’m still hopeful of finding that balance.
Describe the type of art you create.
What do you love about the mediums that you use?
I am definitely an experimental artist and not one to play by the rules. Therefore, I don’t tend to use products or mediums as they were originally designed. I’m always thinking outside the box, or the ‘box directions,’ as it were. I hope to think it’s what sets my work apart.
When did you discover resin?
<showing my age now>
20 plus years—well before its mass popularity today. I definitely wasn’t as clean back then as I am now.
How has resin impacted your artwork?
It is my main medium. There are so many resin layers to my work; it wouldn’t be what it is without it.
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
My background is in both makeup artistry and the building and architecture industry. Both careers have definitely shaped and continue to influence my work as an artist today. Notably, they all start with a solid foundation. That foundation, or the substrate type, sets the tone of the piece and determines whether I’ll be working from a forward or backward mindset. With color composition, color theory, and different textures combined, I’m already mentally laying out the piece, considering what will be brought to the forefront or retracted. I also play with angles, light, shading, and contouring. Each layer is important to the structure and overall piece as it builds.
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
So many reasons. I love the process, from initial inspiration and concept to research and design. I love the problem-solving aspect—how to get it out of my head and execute it into reality. I love creating something from nothing. And, ultimately, I love how it will make people feel.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Most definitely. I had a long period where I didn’t paint at all. I knew I would always come back to it, but I let fear and possibly even trauma from that dark period years earlier stop me from starting sooner. During my extended hiatus, I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain aneurysm. No one’s tomorrow is promised, and it definitely gave me the push I needed to get back to the brushes. As you can imagine, my list of ‘why’s’ grew longer. The pull was too strong to ignore. The most interesting part is the risks I take as part of my creative process now that I never took in my earlier career. No fear in what I create has made me find my own unique voice and become a better artist. This infiltrates into everyday life too.
What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art?
How it makes them feel is the ultimate goal. I want viewers to feel like explorers, to use their imagination and revert to the carefree feelings and emotions they had as children. When they view the piece from a distance, the shape, movement, and color as a whole create the initial intrigue that draws them in. As they inch closer, the perspective and lighting change with each step, taking them on a journey of discovery. Details, scratchings, shadows, and all the layers of color and depth interact, and the reflective nature of the art allows for the reflection of themselves and their environment. They begin to use their imagination to revisit times in their lives when they felt that same emotion. The story of the painting then becomes their story.
How do you define success as an artist? What does success look and feel like for you?
Success for me can be measured in many ways. Business aside, I love that I’ve created something of beauty that others want in their space, as part of their own story. While it might be romanticized, I always imagine my work as a talking point during gatherings with friends and family, on holidays, or during special moments—a generational piece to be passed down. I love that my creations, which are part of my own legacy, then become theirs.
Where do you sell your work?
Several areas: online, directly through my website www.johannacurwoodart.
Congratulations on your win, Johanna!
Every month, to celebrate our community of artists, ArtResin will send out a 32 oz kit to two lucky people who have tagged us on Instagram, showing the work they've created with ArtResin.
ArtResin: The Original Epoxy For Resin Art.
