Johari is a visual artist living and thrifting in the American South, dreaming of farmland like every other grand-millennial.
About Me
I studied graphic arts at Illinois State University and have a decade of experience as an advertising Art Director. My expertise in communication design heavily influences the use of language in my work, where words become the subject matter. I specialize in hand-lettering and pursue public art projects for their accessibility and role in creating communal experiences. Currently, I’m exploring tactile mediums that encourage interaction and offer sensory stimulation.
Artist Statement
I view the element of play as an instinct that dulls as we accumulate more and more responsibility throughout our lifetimes. The vision for my word-based visual art is to promote curiosity and delight by infusing playful mischief into shared spaces. I’m most inspired by the thought of people relating to each other through a shared giggle, smirk or an unexpected “hmph”… usually achieved with humor or the element of surprise.
My creative style is vibrant and energetic, motivated by doodles, sticker books and cartoon color palettes. This aesthetic inspires me because it represents a time in life when we develop a shared sense of humor. A time when we start laughing at the same absurdities our friends laugh at. So ultimately, my work attempts to plant a seed for playful connection.