Check out Barbara Johansen Newman, ‘s Artwork

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Johansen Newman,

Barbara, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Years ago I set out to be a painter, as I am now, but my journey as an artist has had many twists and turns. While still in college, I studied puppetry in New York with Bil Baird in his theater in the Village. As a result, I became a puppeteer with my own company alongside my husband. We performed in the Buffalo area for about 4 years. At the same time, I also began a career as a figurative fiber artist. I displayed my work in shows and galleries throughout the US and Canada.

A move to Boston sent me in yet another direction. I longed to once again just draw and paint, so I put together a portfolio and not long afterwards began my career as an illustrator. I created editorial art for magazines and newspapers around the country, and then, while raising my 3 sons, I shifted to focus on books for children. I have illustrated more than 25 children’s books and I have also written 3 of those.

In addition, I took a brief step into the world of art licensing by designing several fabric collections for a quilting cloth manufacturer.

But at long last the urge to make art for art’s sake reemerged. Around 2009 I acquired a large studio in an old mill building in Needham. I wrapped up any remaining book contracts and began painting. And that is how I now spend 100% of my time.

I now spend all my time painting figurative art, often combined with assemblage.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Right now I am focused on working with paint combined with assemblage. I will paint on a surface (often wood) then create my own frame for the piece by combining found objects, salvage materials, and bits and pieces. I think mixing materials harkens back to my life as a fiber artist where I combined different surface treatments. My work is almost always figurative. I like people. I am fascinated by the manner in which they present themselves and their lives. Regardless of the venue or material, my goal in making art has always been the same: to explore the essence of a character and celebrate the qualities that make that character unique. I often find those qualities in animals, as well.

For me, an artwork is the beginning of a story. I am preoccupied with the passage of time and enjoy weaving relics of the past into the design, texture and color of my work. I like to play with surfaces and combine unlikely materials. With these details, I seek to capture a fragment of a story that is or was or has the promise to become.

If I’ve done my job, the viewer will have enough visual clues to unravel the implied narrative. In short, I guess that makes me a storyteller with a hammer and a brush.

How can artists connect with other artists?
I think participating in juried shows and joining artists’ organizations can be helpful. For years I met with other illustrators monthly in my home. I was a member of large national groups for that focus. Now, I’m in the process of creating another group like that for painters. Getting together and sharing tips and also grievances helps an artist navigate the often-murky waters of the art world. We can share and cheer each other’s accomplishments but also commiserate when disappointments crop up. And in the art world, they often do!

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work can be seen on my website (johansennewman.com) and I often share my work in progress on my Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/johansennewman/) and my Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/JohansenNewmanART/).

I currently have a piece in the Attleboro Arts Museum national juried show, “Three.” And I will have a piece in an international juried show, “The World of Frida,” in the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek, CA, which opens July 8.

I also invite people to visit me in my studio at Gorse Mill, a building with many artists’ studios. Twice a year we have Open Studios in December and May, but collectors can contact me anytime if they would like to see how I work and my latest available pieces. Those interested can contact me and ask to be kept on my mailing list for upcoming shows. Come November 2018, I’ll be having a solo show of my art at Gorse Mill Gallery and all are welcome.

Contact Info:

• Address: Gorse Mill Studios 31 Thorpe Road
  Needham, MA(always best to contact me first before visiting; I often work out of my home studio, as well)
• Website: http://www.johansennewman.com/
• Phone: 7817270190
• Email: barbara@johansennewman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johansennewman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohansenNewmanART/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohansenNewman?lang=en

Image Credit:
Philip H. Newman

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