Creativity Delivered Daily: Local Artist Profile

Lynne Johannesen

   Have you ever thought of junk mail as art? It's doubtful that many of us see the everyday items in our home with the artist's eye that Lynne Johannesen does. But take one look at her fabulous collages and you may have a new appreciation for that scrap of yarn in your knitting basket, or that bracelet you haven't worn in decades...

Lynne Johannesen

   AK Complete Home Renovations is fortunate enough to have many wonderful clients who have become wonderful friends during the process of their home remodel. Amongst these are friends is a multi-talented individual who we are honored to thrust into the public spotlight. Lynne Johannesen has grown a passion for art in her Marietta, Georgia home over the past few years. Possibly spurred by her husband's gift of a fantastic camera, Lynne began to photograph things that caught her eye, particularly during travels. The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, San Francisco painted ladies, Savannah and Blue Ridge have all given her images and inspiration that have turned into art.

    Looking at her work from our design/build perspective, we were struck by Lynne's incorporation of everyday items into her art. Also in the fact that Lynne often creates artwork that has a practical purpose in the home; items such as her picture frames or serving trays are not only useful and usable but beautiful and personal.

Lynne Johannesen

   We know our friends at Hometalk.com will be interested in the diverse materials that Lynne uses to create her art. Besides her own original photographs Lynne says some of the items she uses have special meaning to her, others just speak to her. "I use yarn that my mom used to knit with, lace from an old dress, and remnants from fabric stores" Lynne says.

     "I had a huge elastic bracelet (about 4" thick) that had silver buttons sewn onto it...I cut it all up... I must have gotten that bracelet 20 years ago!! I save tags from stores and clothing if I think they can be dyed. Some jeans have great tags. I have been known to buy greeting cards and cut them up...shoes, cakes, hearts."

Lynne Johannesen

     On this front, Lynne has a big and ingenious plan, "I'm going to be dyeing the paper inside of envelopes that I get in my junk mail...the black and white patterns are interesting. I bought cheesecloth, because that is totally wonderful to dye. The edges curl and it holds color really well. I've learned to paint white tissue paper, and any white tissue paper will do." It takes an artist's eye to look at the many items we have lying around our homes, or in our mailboxes, and think of new and beautiful ways to use them!

   "I still consider myself learning and experimenting. I keep a large collection of papers, ribbons, yarn, buttons, frames, trays, and cigar boxes in a room in my house designated as my "art room".  I don't have enough time to do everything ruminating in my head, but I'm keeping at it... I am always looking at the possibilities...what can this become...what can I do with this?"

Other works by Lynne Johannesen:

Lynne Johannesen

Lynne Johannesen

Lynne Johannesen

    For more information on Lynne or her work, please contact AK Complete Home Renovations

info@akcompletehomerenovations.com

770.587.5722