Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Paredes.
Hi Johnny, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Hello everyone, my name is Johnny Paredes, and I aspire to be an artist of any form, whether through painting, writing, filmmaking, or sketching. Kurt Cobain and Jean- Michel Basquiat are two deceased artists who always captivated me as a child. Additionally, there is a different part of me that was equally enthralled by political leaders and revolutionaries like Simon Bolvar, Malcolm X, and Che Guevara. They all began from nothing but somewhere along the line, they turned into something larger, something for which they will be remembered—the desire to save and transform the world. I desire that for myself because I want to live in infamy. Drawing, painting and filmmaking are my passions because I want to be a part of history, make a significant contribution to the world, to be remember forever and I want to be FREE
I came across “The Visual Dialogue by Nathan Knobler” when I was a young child and it had a significant impact on the person I am now. As a child, I loved to turn the pages of this book to learn about famous painters and artists like Leonardo da Vinci. I would spend many hours in class drawing on my desk or a piece of paper I borrowed from the kid sitting next to me. My imagination took me everywhere and even though I was never particularly brilliant in school, I started to draw my ideas, faces, and write poetry. I would skip class to go to the movies or hang out in the library to borrow art books. I would daydream for hours about becoming a well-known artist someday.
I was never good at sketching bodies, so I chose to concentrate on drawing faces. I would first sketch the faces of my favourite artists or even real-life acquaintances. I told myself “Maybe I found a style, I should continue drawing like that”. I like reading tales involving robots, aliens, and religious beings. therefore, I initially began to draw about that. In my late 20s, I began to draw more often about what I saw in the news or even what others were discussing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Everyone was going crazy during the COVID-19 pandemic, myself included. “Is this the world we live in or are we under a spell?”. I took a long break after years of struggling with my art. I was once reminded of Truman Burbank from the movie “The Truman Show”. All Truman wants is to be FREE. He wants to flee his ideal and secure life, which is like living in a virtual reality simulation, and one of its quotes inspired me to pick up painting and drawing once more. “We accept the reality of the world with which we’re presented”. Although I was making good money and had flexible hours, I no longer loved my job or the people around me. Instead, I wanted to leave and pursue my passion. I was caught in real life and needed to escape, so I started drawing every day. I quit my work to follow my desire. I’ll fight and start over from scratch once more, but I won’t give up on my dream because I’ll be FREE.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Since it addresses subjects that are taboo, difficult, or unsettling for some people, I would define my art as controversial. It might be interpreted as provocative, offensive, or contentious. Controversial art can be significant because it can inspire critical thinking and question people’s preconceptions. It is crucial for me ,as an artist, to think about the potential effects of my work and my audience because it can also be damaging and dividing. Different people will have various views on my artwork. I am here to listen.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I describe my art Controversial; it can be seen as provocative, offensive, or controversial because it explores topics that are taboo, challenging, or uncomfortable for some people. Controversial art can be important because not can challenge people’s assumption and encourage critical thinking. It can also be divisive and hurtful, it important for me as an artists to consider the potential impact of my work and my audience. People will have different opinions about my art. I’m here to listen.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If I could give someone any advice, it would be to not give up on their art or craft and to use the negative energy instead. You will have both good and terrible days, so don’t give up. When you’re having a bad day, to work harder and keep challenging yourself is my suggestion. You have to work hard to achieve your dream, it won’t be given to you. In the long run, you will thank yourself just like I did, believe me on this. Others will mock it and won’t understand it, but that’s all right because it indicates you’re doing something unique. You see, the key is fear. Feeling afraid implies you’re taking a risk, and that’s an awesome feeling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: freejohnnyparedes
Image Credits
Emilie Pellerin
