There is something especially sacred about spaces that remain familiar or unchanged. They seem increasingly more rare these days but they do exist: coffee shops, health food grocers, hardware stores come to mind. A known place can feel as familiar as our own hands, the just-right fit of a piece of clothing, the smells and sounds of a particular time of year. The power of our senses should be noted - they are our vehicle for nostalgia, comfort, gratitude, longing, or joy.

The Artists’ Muse Studios in Amesbury, Massachusetts is, in so many ways, an unchanged and familiar place; a trip back in time. When you enter there is the hefty green door and its cumbersome open, the narrow and steep staircase, the collection of business cards pinned just as they should be, the creak of the floorboards, the old Soft-soap bottle refilled and reused and placed next to the sink.

If we are lucky, nostalgia can be lived out not only in place but in people. When I enter the studio, I always look to my left right after I pass through the door. I look to see if Ann Johnson is working in her studio - the same studio space that I learned to paint in as a kid with Joan Gessner. How quickly I can see it all again.

Ann and I were both lucky to learn from Joan. When I was younger, Ann was a familiar face at pickup and drop-off times. As the adult watercolor class concluded, I’d sometimes see her and Joan evaluating from a distance her latest work.

It’s special when something goes unchanged but change can also provide a sense of peace. The latter can happen when the change or evolvement of something to us, feels exactly as it should be.

Ann, it’s special to see you occupying the former studio space of someone who we both loved. You are a part of the familiarity and the maintaining of a place that feels special to so many artists.

I hope as you work, you can always touch with the Artists’ Muse nostalgia and the peace within change.

kayla doyle

Ann wearing the mini Mina Hoops and the Cavo Necklace

The Amesbury Open Studio Tour is coming up on November 13th + 14th. What do you love about inviting people in to explore the spaces?

My favorite thing about Open Studios is when someone says they “never knew this (The Muse) was here in Amesbury.” Sharing the art and connecting with people is what open studios is all about.

How did you first come to meet Amy?

We met when Amy moved in to the Artists’ Muse seven years ago.

How has working in a shared studio space with Amy and the other artist shifted, expanded, or modified how you think about art and creating?

I love that we have an open floor plan. I consider Amy a friend, peer and teacher. I love that we can ask advice or for a critique of something we are working on. It's great to have that support. I think I am more open to asking questions and asking for advice on a painting than I ever was before. I think as artists we are afraid of the negative but that is what makes us better.

Does sharing an art space feel like a community or supportive group? How have seen your connections expand from it?

I feel really supported by the other artists. I don’t feel like we are in competition. We all bring our own ideas and art to the table. I have been at the Muse for almost 17 years now and it has always been that way!

I’d love to hear a bit more about your history with art, painting, and what makes it feel so special to you.

Wow, tough one. I have been painting since I was 10 or 11. I have been really lucky to have great teachers along the way. I physically miss painting when I haven’t had the time to pick up a brush. I have to say a good thing to come out of COVID is that I had more time to paint and draw. I also started keeping sketch books something I had never done before. I am on my third one!

I understand that you have worked with an array of mediums. Do you have a favorite? What medium do you work with primarily?

Again, really tough question. I started in watercolor. Many say that is the hardest, I guess I didn’t know any better! I like the forgiveness of oils, the vibrancy of pastels, and the speed of watercolors. I’ve set up a little studio in my house and have gotten back into watercolors and attempting gouache.

How do you approach a blank canvas?

With fear and dread! Again I think the sketch book has really helped. Sometimes I will work out a painting there first and then try for the canvas. I really want to try and paint on larger canvases. I generally paint on the small side.

Do you ever struggle with the need to create or feel pressure to paint?

Yes, I feel it if I don’t get to the studio, this summer I really haven’t painted there too much. I feel a little guilty. I’m hard on myself that way. I’m also getting better about knowing when a painting isn’t working and it is ok to put it down, or start over or throw it away. You learn something from everything you paint.

Where and how do you find inspiration?

I paint mostly landscapes and still life. I love being outside, I always have a camera with me. I was hiking the other day with a painter friend. We were on a beautiful cliff looking down at the water and she asked what colors I would mix to get the color of the water. That is pretty much me all the time. I’m always asking if something would be a good painting or what colors would I use! I think many artists feel the same way.

I believe you also teach painting lessons, is that right? Who do you typically work with and what has teaching taught you? I have really just started teaching. I have 2 students, one adult and one teen. I have found that it is hard for me sometimes to put into words something I have been doing for years. I have all this knowledge and it can be difficult to get it out in a coherent way! At times I feel like a babbling idiot! But it is getting better. I am fortunate that the 2 students I have are very talented and are very forgiving. I do enjoy teaching though. I hope to have a few more students in the new year.

Anything else you'd like to share as it relates to your artwork, Ann?

I do not have any deep philosophical feelings about painting. I love to paint, I love to capture what I have seen and how it made me feel. I hope my art makes people happy or remember something joyful in their life,

I understand that you work with Our Neighbors Table in Amesbury, Mass. What is your role with ONT?

I am the Office Manager until December 23rd! I am retiring!

Are there goals that you set for yourself or, the organization sets for this time of year in terms of supporting fellow community members?

The holidays are always a busy and sometimes difficult time of year. We are lucky to live in our comfortable bubbles and there are so many struggling people in our area. I just try to be as supportive as possible to the staff and to our guests.

What does volunteering for you represent? Has volunteering/working for ONT expanded you and your life personally?

I started as a volunteer and then came on as staff. I think that volunteering, wherever it may be, makes us whole. To give back to humanity is how we should live our lives. We are all connected. To know that you have helped a Mom put food on the table for her children and herself or helping a senior on a fixed income get healthy food without sacrificing rent or heat is huge. The genuine gratitude I see and hear every day is humbling.

How can people best support Our Neighbors Table this holiday season?

Honestly, the best way to help is with a monetary donation. ONT can make that dollar go so much further than you or I can. ONT has access to food resources at a much lower cost than you or me. If that is difficult, toiletries are always needed. They aren’t covered by SNAP benefits and many go without soap, toilet paper or feminine products. Volunteering is also a good way to help. It has been tough with COVID but there are in person and remote opportunities.

Our Neighbors Table, a place near and dear to our hearts

What pieces of Amy’s can you be seen wearing? How do you typically style them?

I love simple pieces. I wear Amy’s earrings just about everyday. Dressed up and dressed down. I have 9 pairs! My go-to favorites are the Midi Hoops and Mina Hoops.

Is it an everyday piece for you or a special occasion, a statement?

Everyday! I don’t wear really big pieces. But typically I will wear one of her necklaces and earrings. Either Vivi, Arbus or my constant companion, Cavo.

Is Jewelry the first thing you think about or the last thing you adorn with when it comes to outfitting for the day?

I usually finish up with the jewelry.

Ann + her daughter Cate (wearing the Kon Dangles)

Thank you so much for reading our latest installment of As Seen On, and please be sure to check out annjohnsonfineart.com to learn more about our Ann and her artwork, and please come visit all of us at the Artists’ Muse during Amesbury Open Studios this weekend!

Please know that we will not be hosting our our annual Kick-Off Party on Friday evening this year, and we are asking everyone to please wear a mask while you visit our studio. Also, we will be collecting toiletries to donate to Our Neighbors Table. Please consider bringing in a couple of items to share with your neighbors, if you have any to spare.

ASO readers, please enjoy 20% off Ann’s favorite AVE styles, the Mina Hoops, Midi Hoops and the Cavo Necklace. Discount is automatically taken at checkout.

If you or someone you know wears Amy’s pieces and is interested in being featured in our “Ode to the Wearers", please reach out to us. We’d love to learn more about you and what you wear.

As Seen On : Ann Johnson

As Seen On : Amy Brnger

As Seen On : Kassandra Gove