Rob Johnsons Essay on 3-year Apprenticeship with Nall To say that my experience with the N.A.L.L. Foundation was eye-opening and life-changing would only be the tip of a vast iceberg. As a young aspiring artist growing up in Alabama, it was nearly impossible for me to find a role model and mentor. Despite having natural talent, I was advised by my teachers and family to give up drawing and painting because, they said, there was no money in it. However, I was wise enough to have more faith in my talent and later came to understand that life had presented me with a test. When I was about sixteen years old, I met Nall at an art show and book signing in Guntersville, AL. After pacing the room scrutinizing his paintings very closely, I walked up to him to introduce myself. I’ll never forget what he said to me; “You’re an artist aren’t you?...How would you like to come work with me in France?” From that moment onward, there was a glimmer of hope in my life...provided I waited until I was old enough. So three years later, I called Nall to let him know that I’d never forgotten that moment. At that time, he was working in his studio in Huntsville, AL and asked me if I could come up and help him with a few projects he had going on. I stuffed a few belongings in a pillow case, called my family, hopped in the car, and was there within an hour. The next four years of my life were filled with experiences that I couldn’t have dreamed possible as a young man were it not for the N.A.L.L. Foundation. Just like a scenario from a renaissance history book, I was apprenticed with a great artist and working on commissions for wealthy patrons, preparing art exhibitions, and traveling in some of the most beautiful parts of the world . Nall shared with me his story of how he too had struggled as a young man to make it as an artist, and everything a young aspiring artist needs to learn, from work ethic to politics, to be successful in an ever-evolving art world. His level of compassion and guidance is a rare gift. These experiences gave me the confidence I needed to move forward with my creative endeavours. I have since studied at prestigious art academies, completed a year-long artist-in-residency, organized my own art exhibitions, and pioneered my own unique style of painting. I was awarded fourth prize in painting at the 2005 Florence Biennale, and first prize in painting in the 2008 Artist’s Magazine annual painting competition, complete with a two page spread featuring my artwork. I am currently working on a new portfolio. It has now been over a decade since meeting Nall. It is impossible for me to imagine where my life would be without the support, encouragement, and guidance of my loving friend and fellow artist. - Robert Johnston
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 22:57:21 +0000
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