Fellow resident Kate Johnson has been posting interviews of the current artists and writers at Prairie Center of the Arts on her blog The Suction Cup. Here’s Kate’s interview.

Where are you from?

I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Where are you at in your career?

I am at an exciting point of growth in my career. In the past two years I have increased my national exhibition presence, and have been featured in some great press articles. I was honorable mention at the Arrowhead Biennial at the Duluth Art Institute, and was also a contest winner for the First Annual “Interviewed” Contest with Local Artist Interviews, a collection of interviews of Minnesota based artists.

You can read my interview here: http://www.local-artist-interviews.com/2011/04/kate-johnson-painter.html

Currently, I am serving a three year board position at Altered Esthetics, a non-profit gallery in Northeast Minneapolis. I am the first Director of Solo Exhibitions, a program I designed myself. I manage and teach a group of emerging artists career development topics, as well as help them implement a solo exhibition.

So in my career, I have a nice balance between practicing as a professional artist, and working in the arts administration and program development aspects of galleries.

What made you want to apply to Prairie Center for the Art’s Residency Program?

I began researching residencies this past spring. I did not know exactly where to start, so I looked for places in the Midwest and came across Prairie Center. I applied here, due to the fact that it was the only program where I could have a residency this summer. Many of the other programs were for next year already. I figured I would apply and see what happens. I was so excited and grateful to be accepted because this is my first residency and has truly been a unique experience.

What is your length of residency?

Six weeks! I am here from July 1^st until August 12^th

What are you working on during this residency?

I am focusing on building my portfolio and implementing more professional business practices into my career. I have created 46 individual new works. I am currently working with new materials as well. I am concerned with producing high quality pieces with archival materials, so I have been experimenting with new boards to paint on and a new brand of paint. I have also begun to explore adding gloss mediums to certain locations of my paintings, which have yielded a new look to my style.

I typically have been making 30” X40” sized pieces, but have expanded my range. I have begun to focus on smaller pieces, as well as much larger series of works. I have created three separate large scale series while I have been here. The large studio space I am working in is perfect for making multiple related works. I recently finished a four painting series based on the childhood game Hungry Hungry Hippos, and this week I am finishing up a six painting series based on the Disney Princesses. What is unique about the Disney Princess is that it’s the first few paintings where I have begun to paint people into my style. It is something I hope to continue to explore and work with.

In the business aspect of my art career, I have compiled an inventory, archived professional press, and organized my exhibitions history. I have updated my resume, bio and artist statement as well. But my big project is working on a business plan. It’s a new endeavor and something I am teaching myself. It’s a very thoughtful and involved project. I’ve made lots of discoveries and have had to be honest with myself during this process. Having it will help keep me you on a solid career track.

What is the best part about this residency?

The people here are great. I have had a wonderful time working along side two other artists, Lauren Scanlon and Allison Lacher. They have given me great feedback, advice, and critique while I have been here.

What are you doing after you leave Prairie Center?

I am going to head back to Minnesota. As I mentioned before, I have a gallery board position to attend to. In my free time I also study the Swedish language and volunteer as a Museum Receptionist at the American Swedish Institute. I hope that my enthusiasm and production of art maintains momentum as I switch studio spaces.

Tell me about your creative process and work habits as a professional?

When I first got to Prairie Center I tried to get to the studio early and start working right away, but as much as I try to fight it, my creative cycle is a night. I begin to get into focused work mode around 4pm. So, I usually get to the studio around 11am and leave around 1 in the morning. I have been working a minimum of twelve hour days every single day I have been here.

Typically, I like to see the painting in my head before I create it, although it always looks different, and better, when I actually make the piece. I begin with painting the entire background. Depending on the color of paint, this can take 2-4 coats of paint. Oftentimes, I am preparing backgrounds a few days before I plan to paint a subject. Next, I will either enlarge a drawing I already have or freehand draw on the surface. I fill in color until the painting is complete. Then, I outline the pieces in thick bold outlines. Most people are intrigued by my process and when the black lines appear. But they are last, and it’s actually marker and not paint, which many do not notice. The marker is India ink pens which creates this nice dark yet controlled line.

I tend to focus on character development. I enjoy the process of building a character, its personality, color scheme and way by which it interacts with the viewer. I also focus on color theory, gender representation and symbolism in my pieces. I have always enjoyed creative writing, and find that this passion is illuminated through my sarcastic, conversational, witty, and comical titles. I tend to build work by designing anthropomorphic objects, food and animals, but also draw inspiration from graffiti, street art, Pop and Lowbrow art, graphic design, and themes and objects from my childhood.

Do you have any advice for future residents who are considering residencies?

When I learned I was accepted as a resident at Prairie Center, I began to research things to pack and consider when going to a residency. However, I failed to find anything helpful. This August I will be posting a blog entry focused on this topic including a basic packing list to help future artists prepare for a residency. Here are a few highlighted tips that I would like to share:

• When you arrive, head to a visitor center to get maps and guides of the local area. Research places to go to while you are there before you get to your residency and create a schedule for yourself.

• What does your residency provide you with food, housing, a stipend? Who pays for the travel costs, material costs, equipment fees, residency fees?

• Make sure you are educated on the expectations of your residency. Many expect artist to participate in public exhibitions, lectures, slide talks, art work donation, studio tours and more.

• Create an art/residency schedule. How much work do you want to create, what projects are you going to focus on? Make sure you have time to be creatively inspired too! But do not plan out every second of your residency, this is a time to learn and grow.

• Keep a journal! Written, visual, or digital (or all three) record your residency experience.

Where can we look at more of your work and keep in contact with you?

Website: www.katerjohnson.com

Blog: http://thesuctioncup.blogspot.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KateJohnsonsArt