STATE OF THE STUDIO

November 2019…

Can we believe that October is over?!?  Admittedly I’ve only had candy to eat today but I hopefully my better angels will kick in and I will eat something healthy later.  (Wine is healthy right?!?)

Because fall in Washington has been such a treat of colors I’ve taken the opportunity to explore the warmer tones of reds, oranges and yellows. The deep lush greens of summer have given way to the burnt umbers and raw siennas of fall. It’s also just absolutely bananas to me to look into the distance and see SNOW capped mountains. I’m praying the pretty, fluffy white stuff stays there. Ha. 

I’ve been doing small test papers to see if I like any brush stroke or composition better. I’ve found it saves on paper especially if something didn’t turn out as expected.

Any other parents out there trying to get ahead of their Christmas lists? I try to always keep a running list of things my kids have shown an interest in and tend to ask occasionally to gauge continued interest. Both my kiddos have birthdays coming up so the double whammy of the birthday plus the holiday is exceedingly hard on the pocketbook. 

None of this has to do with the studio though. Except for the fact that I’m currently hoarding supplies so I have enough to get me through the next few months. Anyone want to contribute to my art supplies fund?

November Agenda: One of my goals that I’ve been reaching towards is getting out into the community to share art. I’m a firm believer that everyone is an artist, some people just haven’t found their canvas yet. Next week I am starting a regular volunteering gig with my son’s classroom. It’s a small step but hopefully one that will be a catalyst for more. I’m also going to continue to indulge my creativity into other areas of interest. Doesn’t hurt that the holidays are right around the corner. What are you doing to expand your creativity???

OCTOBER 2019…

We made it to October!! It’s amazing how much and how little can get accomplished in such a short time. Let’s hit you with the big news first. I AM OFFICIALLY IN BUSINESS IN WASHINGTON!!!!!  

(cue confetti and balloon drop!!!) 

This wasn’t exactly brain surgery but it was a little more painful than aI usually care to admit. But I am official. With that said:

THE SHOP IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! That’s right folks. You can now peruse THE SHOP and purchase an original Kari Johnson art work!!! Just because the temps are dipping (here in Washington at least) doesn’t mean it can’t be summer all year round. SUMMER SERIES, my collection completed in 2018, evokes the feeling of sandy beaches, warm oceans and endless summer. I realize that this isn’t the season for all things teal and oceany but I will FOREVER hold a candle for SUMMER! 

Currently, only SUMMER SERIES will be available in the shop. Yes I have been working for years and have had one previous collection launch, if anyone remembers. Those are going to stay tucked in my “vault” for now, until I’m ready to part with them. I’ve done some self reflection and while I love each piece, I’m not sure it was my best work. BUT (BIG BIG BUT!) if you have seen something on Instagram and you want it, don’t hesitate to ask where it’s at in its journey and I can tell you if I’m willing to part with it.

I’ve decided that for the remainder of the year, I’m going to focus on getting prepared for collection launches in 2020. I’ve been and will continue to work in a flow state mentality to see what ideas I can pop up but for now I’m working towards creating timelines and honing in on some good ideas that can form into a full body of work. I’m aiming for two larger collection launches a year with a few minis here and there of other tangents I go on. Getting organized is not really easy for me but I’m going to take the time to do it, so I can really come out the gate strong in 2020. 

As for prints. I’ve shelved the idea for now. But if enough of you made some waves, I may be convinced in the future. 

My goals for October:

HAVE FUN. Around fall, I tend to get really crafty feeling so I’m going to take the time to indulge myself and CRAFT ALL THE THINGS. Which will probably include a shit ton of glitter, some painting and obviously, ornaments!!! 

It’s also my birthday month so in honor of my impending 37th birthday, I’m going to do a 37% DISCOUNT ONE WEEK ONLY! This is the deepest sale these will go on this year so DO NOT miss out on this opportunity! Use code: BDAY37 for the discount

Also, for the entire month of October I will also run a 20% discount on art with code: HEYWA 

DO NOT MISS OUT! 

SEPTEMBER 2019…

Happy September!

I’m coming to you to address the “STATE OF THE STUDIO” a now monthly thing where I talk about the current state of affairs regarding where I am in getting this whole art business off the ground. Being an artist is amazing. Being a business is not. But if I want to get my work out there I have to be a business, man. For the TLDR just check out my INSTAGRAM stories! It includes fun things like current photos of the studio (EEK!) and a POLL!

So without further ado here is the current state of the studio.

Today, I officially closed my California business account with the state. Sad face. It’s something that had to happen and could have happened earlier but with anything business related I need the mental capacity (and to be honest, to be fully caffeinated) to handle it. But it’s done. Before NOON too! Go me!

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but I HAVE A PHYSICAL STUDIO SPACE NOW!!!!!!!! EEEEK! As one of the requirements for our new home was that I have a dedicated space to create, and OMG YOU GUYS (yes, digging deep into my sorority girl days to bring that to ya) it’s the most amazing space I could have asked for! It’s bright and (now) freshly painted with plenty of storage and display space and I’m so excited to make it the most functional (hopefully with the addition of some cabinets on wheels).

So what else is on the September agenda:

Getting the business established in Washington. The always and yet no fun business of dealing with bureaucracy. LEAST FAV PART. But if I want to have art for sale by the holidays (and lets face it I’ve already bought Christmas decorations so we are cutting it close!)

Next up on my agenda is getting the studio closet organized, getting the decorative mantle repainted (I needs it! but is ultimately a vanity project) and FINALLY unloading all my ideas onto ALL THE PAPER AND CANVASES!

Also I’ve considered buying a printer and starting to do PRINTS!!! It’s something i’ve wanted to do for a long time but since this business is still a baby I’m hesitant to go that route juuuust yet. Although with a printer I could do so much more than just print art. I could finally get the idea boards going. Alright I’ve talked myself into it. Now fellow artists, what printer do you have and love? And future collectors: what do you want to see prints of?