Johanna Chambers is a talented traditional artist out of Washington, now living in California. Blessed with a loving family and amazing teachers throughout her life, Johanna plans to make a name for herself creating jewelry and illustrating children’s books. She was kind enough to agree to be interviewed for International Women’s Week.

Q: Have you always wanted to be an artist?

A: When I was very little I wanted to be a vet, but I was always making drawings and cutting out little toys and paper dolls to play with. It was a natural progression, and by middle school age, I knew I wanted to be an artist.



Q: Describe your art education background.

A: I've been blessed with parents who have always supported the arts and are artistic themselves. They consistently encouraged me. By middle school I was in art classes and had an excellent teacher. My high school art teacher was also fantastic. Then I attended Northwest College of Art in Washington state, where I was also lucky enough to have really great teachers.

Q: Are there any other artists in your family?

A: My mother is an excellent artist, especially with watercolor and gouache. My dad is very good at drawing, especially in ink. My sister and brother are excellent string musicians, playing cello and bass respectively.



Q: Who or what have been your major influences, any female artists?

A: My mother inspired me a great deal growing up. My favorite artist is Candy Jernigan, who sparked in me an interest in Trompe L'Oeil and the pursuit of oddball junk as subject matter. The range of subjects I enjoy is pretty broad right now, however. The way that I paint, technically speaking, is heavily influenced by Carvaggio and other classic painters I studied in school.



Q: What inspires you?

A: Things that are classical looking. Nature. Small strange things in my junk drawer. The human face and the human form.



Q: Of your work, which is your favorite or the most successful?

A: My painting of my brother with his electric bass is my favorite of my own work. I was happy with how the lighting turned out in that one.



Q: What do you do to relax when you’ve been working on a piece for too long?

A: A quick walk or a bit of music.

Q: What are your artistic goals or ambitions?

A: Children's books or other illustrations. Right now, just to get my work out there a bit. I am also working on a jewelry design book right now. In general, I want to publish stuff.



Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

A: The only real regret you can have is not trying.

Q: Is there anything you would say to young, aspiring female artists out there?

A: Just to keep at it! And be sure to take breaks from working on art in order to go out into the world and be inspired by everything around you. Take lots of pictures, either real or in your mind.

Sound advice from an amazing artist! Thank you so much, Johanna, for your time and this awesome interview!

Now, just for fun-

1. What’s your favorite color?: Viridian

2. Your favorite medium?: Oil

3. What country would you most like to visit?: Toss up between Germany and France

4. Favorite CD?: Rammstein's "Reise, Reise"

5. Favorite food?: Honestly? Marinated artichoke hearts.

6. Mac or Windows?: Mac

7. City or country?: Port Townsend, WA. Bisbee, AZ. Encinitas, CA. Fun, bohemian, small artsy fartsy towns.

8. Favorite car?: El Camino! Or VW bug. Both in yellow.

9. Favorite gaming platform?: Xbox for playing "Voodoo Vince"

10. Cake or death?: Cake, vegan, with sprinkles, please!