David Johansson
Painter and Inventor
Seattle, WA
What mediums do you use for your art?
Well, I use oil paints and acrylic paints. I am also a videographer and work with music, sound, and
light. I use materials like glass, copper, and metal. I often incorporate found objects and wood; I paint a
lot on wood. Additionally, I make paintbrushes, which help me create my works. Not many people can
say they’ve been awarded a U.S. patent, but I received one a year ago. I’m still working on scaling my
product, and unfortunately, I can’t participate in the Seattle Art Fair because I haven’t yet set up
manufacturing. The project will involve thousands of brushes.
What is your core inspiration for your art?
For me, it’s about making the world around me a bit more soothing. The world is chaotic, and while
some of my art depicts less peaceful themes, I’m concerned about human rights and fair treatment for
everyone. Part of my art is meant to address issues that bother me to help raise awareness. But another
part is about creating beauty because we’re constantly bombarded with negativity. It can be
overwhelming to see constant reports of tragedy and suffering. With billions of people on the planet,
it’s inevitable that many will face hardships. Art offers a way to channel these feelings into something
positive, unlike religion, which some may find less effective. I believe being “born again” as an artist is
a better path than seeking righteousness.
What do you think your role as an artist is in the community?
Over the years, I’ve tended to stay in the background of art scenes, though I’ve been very prolific. I’ve
been active in the queer community and had a shop in Broadway Market for almost a decade, alongside
the Pink Zone. I was involved in various art forms, including stained glass, blown glass, and Fremont
Market artist tiles, where I was one of the original vendors. I’ve always stayed engaged with the
community, contributing as much as I can.
What would you like to see happen in the art world to include the LGBTQ+ community more?
I think Seattle has done a good job of including and encouraging LGBTQ+ artists and people of color,
but I’d like to see similar programs proliferate across the country. In places where bigotry and
homophobia are prevalent, it’s crucial to have initiatives that support marginalized artists. Programs
that offer studio assistance or resources to struggling artists are important. A clearinghouse of resources
and opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists could also be beneficial.
Who are your favorite artists?
Andy Warhol is one of my favorites. I used to get very close to his paintings, almost obsessively
examining them, thinking, “Oh, there’s a hair of his in the paint.”
Where can we find your art?
You can find my art on Instagram under @DavidJohanssonStudio (with two S’s), and on Facebook as
David Johansson Seattle. I also post on TikTok as David Johansson Studios and have a SoundCloud
account, Batty Daddy, where you can find hundreds of hours of original music. I’ve been trained in music since second grade and used to build synthesizers back in 1973.
What does it mean to be a queer artist to you?
Being a queer artist means I’ve already been judged by some people, but I don’t let that affect me. It
allows me to express myself freely. I used to be concerned about what people thought, but now I see it
as an integral part of who I am. My orientation is not a preference—it’s an inherent part of me. Some
people might not understand this, but orientation is fundamental, while preferences are more about
choices. You can’t change your orientation like you can change your preferences.
