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Mohala Johnson - Artists Extraordinaire©MohalaJohnson
Being born and raised on the island of Kauai, part of the Hawaiian chain, and then coming state side to Cheyenne, WY is something many people ask me about. Do I miss home? Yes. Why did I move here? Snow. Island life is wonderful, however as the saying goes “The grass is always greener on the other side" I wanted to experience all four seasons not just wet and wetter seasons. As an artist I have a hard time defining myself as I like to dabble in many things. I think this is due in part to my very short attention span along with my over active imagination. Currently I am occupying myself with jewelry making, Painting (at least trying to paint), as well as photography.
Photography has been a hobby of mines for many years but just recently I started sharing my work with the public. I use a very low-tech camera, and do not Photoshop or alter my images in anyway. I simply take the picture and either love it or hate it. That is the beauty of digital to me. You can simply snap away and then if you don't like it you don't have to spend money to print it. I have shot a few events for which I received monetary compensation, so technically I am in fact a professional; however I feel there is much for me to learn before I start calling myself one. I first started painting with my sister to pass the time, eventually I discovered that I not only enjoyed it but I was decent at it. So I went to the library got some books and taught myself about the different techniques and mediums. My work varies quite a bit, I have a hard time sticking to one specific style or medium so I use everything and anything. My jewelry is quite simple, I use sea shells collected off the beaches of Kauai as well as coral. I like to make things that are easy to wear and full of fun. I absolutely love to create things; I use bright happy colors as well as recycled materials. Most of my frames among other supplies are actually on their second or third life. Up-cycling is very important for everyone and I am trying my best to spread that message along. If I could accomplish one thing with my art it would be simply to spread the joy that I put into making each piece to others. Everyone deserves a little art in their live so I will continue to do my best to make sure I have a healthy supply of it. Currently I am working as the Lead Web Developer for Cheyenne Technology; while attending college in pursuit of my Baccalaureate degree in Web Design and Development from IADT. |