Our artist of the month for March is a Norwich-based freelance artist specialising in illustration, printmaking and arts education.
Vicki Johnson is currently bringing a bit of creative joy to our carers taking part in Around the Table and care home residents and school children as part of Lowestoft Folk.
Name: Vicki Johnson
Can you tell us a little bit about your own practice?
I’m a Norwich-based freelance artist specialising in illustration, printmaking and arts education. I am part of the Print to the People studios which provide accessible and affordable open access printmaking facilities. We also run a varied course programme in a wide range of processes.
I have a background in textile design and my personal practice usually combines digital with traditional drawing and printing techniques to produce illustrative prints often based on folklore, the natural world and the surreal and fantastic.
What’s been your favourite artistic experience of the past 12 months?
I’ve been lucky to work on some great projects over the past year. The most challenging was designing feature walls and art works throughout the new Weybourne Day Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital with their Environmental Arts Charity. Laser cut Perspex and large scale wall vinyl shapes were designed to create a feeling of movement and light around the bays. It was fantastic to see it all installed and in use. The new hospital environments are so much more considered and comfortable, it feels great to be helping improve the patients, staff and visitors experience.
Which Suffolk Artlink projects have you worked on to date?
Avenues, Lowestoft Folk and Around the Table.
How has working with Suffolk Artlink influenced your work?
The Suffolk Artlink projects I’ve worked on have been really interesting. It’s given me an opportunity to share my love of printing and making with audiences who would not normally get the opportunity to be creative in this way, which has been really rewarding. Each project has its own set of challenges which need careful consideration. It’s made me explore new ways of working with familiar processes, adapting them for new audiences and environments each time.
How would you describe Suffolk Artlink in 3 words?
creative, empowering, professional