You've Got Alexa Johnston

Ten questions with a visual artist and printmaker from Vancouver Island.

Welcome to the interview series on YGL that explores connection, creativity, and personal taste. A glimpse into the lives of people I admire through intentional thought and conversation. Today’s guest is one of my favourite artists. If I could, I would happily live in one of her paintings. You’ve got Alexa Johnston!

and soothing colour palettes when the algorithm led me to her Instagram profile many years ago. Finding out we lived on the same island, I figured our paths were bound to cross at some point. They eventually did at a photography workshop in 2022. She has a soft and kind energy, similar to her paintings. It was such a treat to meet the woman behind the beautiful brushstrokes and discover she was just as much a gem as I imagined.

When coming up with this interview series, I thought of Alexa right away. She has great style and a wicked eye for colour that I am excited to share with you today. The theme driving my posts this month orbit around art, so it all came together quite perfectly. Alexa describes her art as “making memories tangible” by capturing “hazy recollections of the passing time.” Her art is slow and intentional, each piece causes you to pause and reflect. She creates new series of work as the seasons change—I’m always inspired to see what she’ll do next.

All photos © Alexa Johnston
Alright, let’s dive in…

1. What’s the best conversation you’ve had recently? Who was it with, what made it good, and what was the topic of discussion?

On Wednesdays I am an artist in residence at a local art centre in Qualicum Beach. What’s wonderful about this residency is that people stop by to chat all the time. While this sometimes slows down the process of making art, it brings me so much joy to connect with the community. Recently I had a lovely conversation with an artist friend of mine, Catherine Trembath. We chatted about art, our favourite papers and supplies, family, kids, and the community. I always love having conversations that are genuine, deep, and filled with insights and generosity—my conversation with Catherine really encapsulated all of that. 

2. What are you excited about right now?

I am truly excited for springtime. For the bulbs to come up in the garden and the lilac trees to flower. There is nothing like the smell of the garden when the lilacs are in bloom.  

3. I was wondering if you had a garden! You paint a lot of botanical scenes (that I absolutely love), tell me a little more about this garden of yours.

My husband and our little family have a home in Qualicum Beach. We have a quarter acre of land with fruit trees, flowering trees, raised bed veggie gardens, and flower gardens. Luckily my husband also loves the garden so we each take care of our favourite parts. I tend to the flowers and the fruit while he tends to the grass and the veggies. It’s a very symbiotic relationship. 

4. If you were given $100 that had to be spent today, what would you treat yourself to?

Some nice skincare oils, hand lotion, a good book, and a quiet sit at a coffee shop. 

5. What purchase from the past year has brought you the most joy?

I love perennials and last year I focused on researching and planting a garden that will come back year after year. It’s still cold and frosty here but the joy I feel knowing what will be returning in the spring is palpable. 

6. Are you loyal to any brands? Which ones?

I run very cold and need warm cozy feet. I love my Le Bon Shoppe socks and you’ll always find me in my merino wool shirts and sweaters from James Street Co.

7. What three topics could you easily talk about without prep?

Art and art history, books, traveling with kids, and planting flowers. 

8. What’s something that you struggle with and how do you deal with that challenge?

I’m quite shy when it comes to putting myself out there or speaking up in front of people. I get very anxious and my voice shakes. I often tend to sit back and listen instead of putting myself in the conversation. I have to constantly remind myself that everyone struggles with their own challenges. My nervousness is a reminder that having something you are continuously working on is courageous. 

9. How did your relationship with art begin? What got you into painting and printmaking?

I’ve been an artist my whole life. It wasn’t until I burnt out working in a large company that I realized I’m a better person when I allow myself the time to create. Sketching, putting paint to paper, and turning my memories and feelings into something tangible. When I started to take the input I was receiving from the world and translating it into art, things really shifted for the better. 

My work is currently focused on painting and printmaking. I love the way paint flows—the movement. I picked up watercolour again in 2016 after the birth of my first son because I needed a medium that was non-toxic and safe around small hands. Printmaking has been a more recent evolution, allowing me to explore different ways of working with watercolour. One of my loves with monotype printmaking in particular is the unpredictability. I can only control the outcome to a certain point and then the pull of the print reveals the true magic of the process. 

10. What environment is most conducive for your creativity? How do you get into a flow?

I have a small studio at home where I have created a cozy and inviting space. I like to go into the studio, turn on some music, and sit with coffee and a journal. Everything for me starts with writing, music, and colour. When I get the urge to paint I start with colour and let everything else evolve from there. 

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It was such a pleasure to chat with you and get a glimpse into your lovely world. Your garden sounds like an absolute dream and I think I might need to get myself a pair of those cute socks!

Where can you find Alexa? Shop her website, follow her on Instagram, and keep a lookout for her workshops if you’re in town. Her next offering is the Monotype with Watercolour Class on June 15th. Scott and I are both signed up for this and very excited—join us if you can.

If you’re like me and didn’t know how a monotype was made: check out this video. “A monotype is a unique printmaking technique made by applying paint or printmaking ink directly onto a flat sheet of metal, glass or plastic. The painted image is transferred to paper by rubbing or using a press. Unlike other forms of printmaking, a monotype is only produced once and is entirely unique.” Seriously though, how cool is that?