Name: Johnny Camacho

City of Residence: Traverse City, MI

Exhibition: 'Bitter & Beauty'

On View: Now through February 22, 2025

Who or what inspires your creativity? Truly my kids inspired me.

Where can visitors learn more about your work? I have several murals at the Commonground coop in Nobo mkt. My website johnnycamacho.squarespace.com and on instagram: ultrathinkers.

Artist Bio: Johnny Camacho, born in New York City, saw art all around him. Graffiti was at its height and he loved the stories and struggles they shared. Raised in the Bronx, going to museums became his escape in his early teen years. Johnny would take what he viewed in the museums, go home and began teaching himself to paint. Pulling from his rich Latin culture, the ever present graffiti and his life experiences he found his voice in his work as an abstract expressionist. Never being in a hurry, one painting is appropriately entitled, Seven Years as it took that long for completion. His rich vibrant colors and hidden figures compel each person to see themselves in his work as well as the city all around. Painting from the gut Johnny Camacho wants his story to heal, awaken and restore each individual that looks at his painting.

LIGHTNING ROUND!

• When I work, I listen to: Music.
• For example: I usually listen to classical, jazz or hip-hop when I am creating art.
• I studied: I studied at Westchester Community College and City College in New York.
• "One" art-related thing I can't live without: Pencil and a sketchbook.
• Three words that best describe me: Passionate, intentional and expressive.
• Three words that best describe my art: Abstract, colorful and innovative.

Thank you to Johnny for jumping in and joining us for our Artist Spotlight Q&A!