Alison Johnson

Artist Educator for the schools programme

Alison studied Graphic Design and completed her MA at Central School of Art & Design. Her design career began at the BBC and after working in several London design consultancies she decided to follow her real passion and embarked on a teaching career, which lasted 33 years. In addition to leading a very successful Art, Design and Photography Department at a senior school, Alison also worked as a Principal Examiner for a leading Exam Board for over 25 years. Since retirement she has continued teaching in her own studio, developed her own practice and joined the team at the Watts Gallery as an Artist Educator and a volunteer. The thrill of introducing young people to new ways of expressing their creativity has never left her.

Can you tell us about your creative practice?

My creative practice is eclectic and varied as new possibilities open and creativity takes over to record new experiences. Hence, my work flows from responses through photography, printmaking, painting, collage, ceramics and textiles. My greatest joy is to express creativity and introduce different ways of working as I firmly believe that everyone can be creative - they just need to find what they are good at and enjoy. I totally endorse George and Mary Watts ethos of ‘Art for All’.

What inspires you to create art?

My main influences and sources of inspiration are the landscape, architecture and collections of objects. I find them all fascinating, and I enjoy recording experiences of being in a place, as well as surrounded by things collected by an individual, pieces that are special and have meaning for them. This is why places such as Kettles Yard in Cambridge, The Watts Gallery in Surrey and A La Ronde in Devon have inspired my work as well as my favourite museum, the V&A in South Kensington.

Where is your favourite place to feel inspired at Watts Gallery?

My favourite place at the Watts Gallery is Limnerslease House. Being able to stand in the window and see the view that George and Mary Watts saw in its unspoilt beauty is a great inspiration.

Instagram
Photo of a woman sitting at a table making a piece of art. She has short brown hair and is wearing a white shirt. She is facing the camera.

  • Image of a piece of artwork depicting a river in the landscape, surrounded by grass, trees and blue sky
  • Abstract artwork of a blue vase with white flowers in. The background is pink
  • Artwork of a landscape in the countryside. The foreground is a field with purple flowers in, and there are trees and grass in the background
  • Artwork of the side profile of a black horse's head