Today we’d like to introduce you to John D. Konno.
John, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born and raised on the island of Kauai. I grew up running through sugarcane fields, climbing mango trees, and chasing chickens. I moved out to San Diego in 2002. Coming from Hawaii, I have always felt a close connection to nature, especially to the ocean. I come from a long line of watermen, fishermen, and surfers; from a big family and tight-knit community. My family is still on Kauai, and I’ll always consider the island my home. I currently live in Oceanside, CA. I love the small town, working-class vibe here. People say hello to their neighbors and smile at strangers. People still value honor and respect, and it reminds me of Kauai. I like that.
I have been very fortunate to have had my creativity nurtured throughout my life. I remember my kindergarten teacher saying to me, “You are going to be an artist.” That was the first time I had even heard the word and it resonated with me. As a recent graduate from Cal State University San Marcos, School of Arts, I am grateful to have had the guidance of wonderful professors and I could hear those words echoed in the classroom. Kristin Moss, Judit Hersko, Robin Keehn, and Lucy Solomon were so wonderful. It wasn’t until my last semester that I even entertained the idea of pursuing art as a career and I owe it to their guidance. I have an incredible support system here in San Diego, including Casey O’Connell, Dominic Fawcett, Julie Goldstein, and Randall Christopher. These are the artists that inspire and always encourage me. I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded with so much talent and support.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I identify myself as a printmaker, but my most recent work has involved large-scale painting and textiles. I like to work with Japanese paper-making and bookbinding techniques, but I draw and paint, and work with digital art too. The subject matter varies, and ranges from Lazarus Species to Executive Order 9066, with topics involving ancestry, extinction, and race. I like the idea of all cultures sharing a common thread in the form of their stories, be it a story of the hero’s journey, ghost stories, or tales of forbidden love and loss. Often my work involves a serious or heavy subject matter but is delivered in a whimsical way. I want my art to be approachable and my message to inspire hope.
The main theme of my art involves connectivity, specifically our connection to nature and each other. I do believe that artists have a unique position that allows them to share their message. However, my desire is for my art to allow room for people to have their own experience. Many of the pieces I create engage interactivity, for viewers to touch and feel the art, or even wear the pieces. I like the idea of people sharing stories and creating an extended family, and my art as a conduit for achieving that goal.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Instagram is the best way to keep up with what I’m up to. I’ll often use Instagram stories to share work in progress images and video, and I use posts to gauge how people like a piece or how effective an artist statement is. I always update upcoming gallery events and often share the work of my friends and other artists that inspire me. My website (johndkonno.com) has a good amount my most recent and contact info for collectors or clients wanting commissions done.
If you’re in North County, go and check out a mural I did a few months ago at Chiko. I painted a bunch of Chinese Zodiac animals, Moonlight Beach, and the Encinitas sign inside the restaurant. The food is delicious too! Also, listen to Bruin and go to their shows, you will probably see my work. I have done poster and album art for the band. I sometimes contribute to The League of Imaginary Scientists’ art installations. And I did a little bit of animation for a short documentary called The Driver Is Red. I highly recommend seeing the film. It was selected to show at Sundance in 2018 and qualified for an Oscar.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.johndkonno.com
- Phone: 8583366281
- Email: mail@johndkonno.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdkonno/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdkonno
Image Credit:
Courtesy of the artist.
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