Kayl Johnson - November 2025
For the month of November, we would like to turn the spotlight over to Kayl Johnson, a painter and skateboarder from the Bay Area. Kayl started drawing since he was a child when he would often see his father draw pictures of faces. There were also many mask and artifacts in their home so he would often make drawings of them. He would also start skateboarding around the age of seven which also a big part of his life. He says skateboarding and Art tie in so well together for him because it allows him to be creative and skateboarding takes him many places where he feels he can incorporate his work whether it’s on walls or any other canvas. At age 17, he would move from his small town of San Obispo to San Francisco. This was a pivotal point in his life and journey because he felt he could connect with a lot more creative people and get a further reach. He would stay with a friend and figure out more how to create and sell his art. He says that as one door closed another opened with his life in San Francisco. he is inspired by the like-minded people and artists that he spends time with. He also says that meeting new creatives allow him to think about different ways. He wants to be able to continue collaborating with other on his drawings. He also likes to trade art for art and other things.
A moment that he saw a turning point in his life as an artist was when he sold his first few paintings. It was a symbol to him that people appreciate his work and that he should continue to push forward. Community is also something he holds dear to him in his creative process because he has seen his fellow peers continue to grow and see progress alongside him. This also ties into his work because many of his pieces are messed together. Some faces in his work share eyes in our conjoined together. This is an example of true unity. He also uses quotes in his work such as “free yourself” and “love”. He says that those are more of a constant, but sometimes he uses other quotes that express how he felt at that time of creation. One piece that was given to us says “ where the fuck am I?” This was a time where he in the middle of the forest when drawing. Kayl has had his work presented in many galleries in the bay such a Birdhouse Gallery and Venus and Victory. Going forward, Kayl focuses on the present and things he can control at that time. He says he’s a pretty spontaneous person tries to live open minded. He wants to continue spreading the art and making connections through his pieces. If you’re looking to learn more about Kayl and his work you can follow his instagram.
“Big love and support.” -Kayl Johnson
