Congratulations to Stephen Johnston for earning his place as a Finalist in the Boynes Artist Award 10th Edition!

Who are you?

Hey I'm Stephen Johnston, born on June 6, 1987, in Co Antrim, Ireland. I live and work on this beautiful island. I'm a husband and father, and my Christian faith is important to me. I've been lucky enough to be a full-time artist for 14 years now, ever since I graduated. Art and creativity come naturally to me, like speaking my native tongue, and I've always loved mark making. With constant hard work with a lot of passion, I've managed to build a career that supports my family and brings me joy.

What inspired you to utilize painting as a medium?

I see painting as a process of mark-making, I love the tactile quality of oils—how it behaves on the canvas. I think it suits my personality down to the ground.

How would you describe your ARTwork?

I consider myself a realist painter, focusing on narratives through representative still life. My work brings everyday objects to life, telling a story with each piece. While I'm not comfortable with the label photorealist, my method of mark making is a detailed and realistic depiction that highlights the beauty in the ordinary. Each representation has a touch of interpretation and observation of the natural world.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your finalist work?

The inspiration behind my finalist work centers on a profound exploration of life's complexities and the universal themes of impermanence and existence. My paintings delve into the essence of flowers, stripped down to their core, transcending their natural beauty to become metaphorical portraits that reflect the very essence of human existence.

Through these works, I aim to honor the longstanding tradition of the still life genre while infusing a contemporary sensibility. Each composition invites contemplation, shedding light on enduring themes that resonate across time.

In my artistic journey, I embark on a subtle exploration of surrealism, delving into the interplay between flowers in a jar and human identity. The flowers, distilled to their essence, symbolize both fragility and resilience, echoing the delicate balance within our planet's ecosystems. While the jar represents boundaries and attempts at control, it also serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness and shared fate

This body of work challenges notions of order and control, revealing the unpredictable nature of existence and the profound impact of human actions on our environment. Through these paintings, flowers cease to be mere objects; they become extensions of identity, bearing marks of human presence and complexities of individualism.

Overall, my finalist pieces aim to provoke introspection and dialogue, exploring the intricate relationship between natural beauty, human presence, and the broader existential questions that define our shared experience. The body of work is titled Nocturnal.

What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?

Through my work, I aim to communicate an exploration of timeless truth amidst an age where reality often feels negotiable. At its core, my art delves into the fundamental truths of life and death, emphasizing the enduring beauty found within the natural cycles of existence. Drawing from the rich tradition of still life, I reinterpret and contemporize the genre. Ultimately, my aim is to inspire a deeper appreciation for the inherent truths of life, encouraging viewers to find solace and beauty in the simplicity of our shared human experience.

Can you discuss your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?

One of my most significant learning experiences in the process of creating my artwork has been the importance of patience and intuition in selecting source material. Early on, I relied heavily on photographic references to aid in the painting process, particularly for capturing intricate details and nuances through mark-making.

However, I learned a valuable lesson about the need to let the source material "breathe." I now give myself 48 hours before starting a painting. During this time, I deliberately refrain from looking at the image. This break allows me to approach the artwork with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective.

The pivotal question I ask myself during this period is whether the source image possesses atmosphere. If the answer is yes—if it evokes a sense of mood, emotion, or ambiance—then I feel confident proceeding with the painting. This approach has become crucial in avoiding the disappointment of creating a piece that lacks the atmospheric depth I strive to capture.

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

Funny, it's not awards, Solo exhibitions or being part of a permanent collection in a major Art Museum, it's something else completely. One of the significant milestones in my artistic journey was creating "Banana in a Jar." It marked a shift from focusing solely on technique to deeper conceptual exploration—a transition that, despite its subtle appearance, felt profound. Having pursued knowledge and mastery of paint since childhood, I sensed a pivotal moment had arrived. Before "Banana in a Jar," I was dedicated to refining mark-making techniques and capturing detailed realism in my still lifes. While technique remains crucial, I increasingly desired to explore the conceptual dimensions of my work—to convey meaning and evoke emotions through my compositions.

Can you give us the best piece of advice you have ever received?

If it has no atmosphere- find some!

What projects are you working on currently?

I can't reveal too much, but I'm currently working on a major project centered around the Nocturnal body of work that I hope to tour. Alongside this, I'm staying active by participating in exhibitions, competitions, and similar opportunities to showcase my ongoing work. Keep an eye out for updates!

What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?

Good question! Not sure what the next 40 years of painting has in store, but spending those 40 years painting- that's the dream. I absolutely love the project I am working on now. I also have a passion for creating large-scale portraits, which is another avenue I thoroughly enjoy exploring. I Guess Exhibiting in a major gallery would be the next important stepping stone for me.

As a finalist, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?

Never give up !!ever!!! I find that you often fail your way to success ,you've got to be willing to take risks—it's where the real opportunities lie...risk it for the biscuit!

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?

No one is an overnight success. Always learning, always growing. Bamboo takes 2 years to grow a root system, then when the time is right, it can grow up to 10cm a day. Artistry requires patience and persistence. My advice to fellow artists is to stay committed to your craft, keep honing your skills, and be persistent.

To view more of Stephen Johnston

Website

Instagram