Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Heilman.
Hi Johanna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been making art and music for as long as I can remember. I moved to Austin in 1998 to attend UT, where I studied studio art. I fell in love with the city and have made many friends through the music and art scene. My work has undergone many changes throughout the years, but that’s what I enjoy most about being an artist. I can follow whatever my latest interests are. Currently, I’m working on fine-tuning my portrait painting skills, and I’m getting ready to release my first solo album.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
It has not been smooth, especially for the last few years. In December 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This caused great disruption in my life along with all of the disruptions already caused by covid. My band, Wildfires, was right in the middle of trying to release an album, but my cancer diagnosis got in the way of being able to promote it or play any shows. I also couldn’t paint for a long time due to the pain and physical issues from undergoing numerous surgeries. Sometime around the summer of 2021, I began to envision the possibility of turning my cancer experience into a concept album. I spent over a year writing and recording the songs at home. The experience was both challenging and satisfying. It was my first time recording a record all on my own, and I learned so much in the process. I’m very proud of this record and can’t wait to share it with everyone. I’m still working on a release schedule but it will come out later this year.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I’m both a painter and a musician. I have focused more on one than the other at various times in my life, but I’m always making something. In visual art, I’m primarily an acrylic painter though I also dabble with watercolor and pencils. For the last year or so, I have focused on portraiture, and the great portrait artist Alice Neel heavily influences me. On the music side of things, I’ve spent the last decade playing guitar in the local shoegaze band Wildfires. Everything about being in that band has been an absolute joy. I am also a singer/songwriter and have played shows in Austin for over 20 years. I’m about to release my first solo album and I’m incredibly proud of all of the work I’ve put into it.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some changes you expect to see over the next five to ten years?
The biggest issue about being a creative person in Austin is affordability. Over the last 25 years, I’ve seen how hard it has become to get by in this town. I’ve been relentless about only taking jobs that allow me the time and energy to continue my artistic practices, but I know that isn’t realistic for many people. As to where things are headed, I’m not sure. We can continue to nurture our creative community and do a much better job of making Austin an inclusive, affordable place to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: johanna-heilman.com
- Instagram: @JoHeilman
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildfiresband1982
- Other: https://pricklypearstudiostx.etsy.com
Image Credits
Raphaeil Umscheid (just for the personal photo)
