Interview with Roy Johnson

By Jessica Johnson

If you have spent much time in Santa Cruz, chances are good you have seen one of Roy Johnson’s lighting pieces. His handiwork can be seen in local restaurants such as the Shadowbrook, the Crow’s Nest, and Severino’s. He also has stunning begonia-inspired light pieces in the Best Western on 41st Avenue.

When I met with Roy at his studio in Watsonville he was completing work on a custom piece for Lighthouse Bank in downtown Santa Cruz. The piece is a massive hanging chandelier in the bank foyer that evokes the feeling of a lighthouse. Born in Michigan, Roy Johnson got his start making one of a kind stained glass mirrors and was encouraged by his father to think bigger, create more, and sell his work. It seems he took his father’s advice to heart!

What brought you to Santa Cruz?

After traveling the art and wine festival circuit for 18 years I decided to move here. Santa Cruz has the nicest weather in the whole country. And there are no bugs.

How has living here influenced your creativity?

[Santa Cruz] has allowed me to be creative, to run my business. I’ve had very good luck selling my product. The community has been really good to me in that regard.

Are there other creatives in your family? Parents? Siblings?

My dad taught Industrial Arts (also known as “shop.”) He was an inventor, and I remember being a young boy and hanging out in his workshop. He taught me that the most important skill to have is problem solving.

What is the first thing you remember making/writing/creating?

The first thing was a seed box, like a shadowbox, but with seeds in it.

When did you first call yourself an “artist”?

The first time I did my taxes. I had a friend from high school who was an artist and his last name was Jefferson, so he called his business Jefferson Art Studio, so I started calling mine Johnson Art studio. Coming from Dearborn, Michigan, the home of Henry Ford, I felt it was important to have your name attached to your work.

How do ideas come to you? Are you a “flasher” or a “percolator”?

I’d say I’m a percolator. You have to give your brain time to work on the problem.

Who are your creative idols? Why?

My idols tend to be people who do their art and are business people too. I think of people like Calvin Klein who walked through the garment district with a rolling rack of his clothes, determined to show his work – he did it the old school way.

What never fails to inspire you?

My shop always inspires me. I always smile when I drive to work and pull in here. I love all of this.

Do you have dry spells? What do you if you do?

I have been overwhelmed and behind in my work most of my life [laughs]. I always have projects in the wings, so no, I don’t really have dry spells. Sometimes I am just waiting for the right client to walk in the door so I can do a certain project.

What is the best advice you have been given about being an artist/creator/maker?

I think the best advice is that the most important quality in any artist is perseverance. Once I was working on a project and I had to bend the glass 35 times before I got it right. I didn’t give up after 5 times, or 25 times. I knew I would get it right.

What is the biggest myth about creativity?

That some people have it and some people don’t. The number one reason why I have this life is because I am doing it. You know, I risk it all a lot of times. Not everyone would take those risks and put themselves out there, but I have.

What local makers do you admire? Why?

I really admire Annie Morhauser, that she is able to do her art and have such a successful business is really incredible.

What is your definition of a creative life?

I love the challenge, the “how do I do that?” when I am working. It’s good for my brain and keeps me healthy. I love the whole process, from the design, the computerized work flow, the production – it’s just all so much fun. I am very grateful these days.

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To learn more about Roy Johnson visit www.johnsonartstudio.com. You can view — and order from — his lighting collections on his website. You can see his work in person at Lighthouse Bank at 2020 North Pacific Avenue as well as other local establishments.

Raised in Aptos, Jessica Johnson is a freelance writer, author and blogger dedicated to helping others embrace their creative lives. Read more about her journey as a writer at www.vinegarandvanilla.com. Email your questions, comments and creative suggestions to her at jessica@vinegarandvanilla.com