Los Angeles Featured Artist: Johnnie Eagan

JOHNNIE EAGAN is a Los Angeles-based artist specializing in drawing. (Website)

CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION (CAC): How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist? Do you embrace the label? 

JOHNNIE EAGAN (JE): I definitely see myself as a Catholic artist, because God gave me this passion, the inspiration, the means to buy art supplies- everything! My personal mission is to help lead people to God, which is precisely what beauty/ art is supposed to do. It’s meant to cause people to reflect inward, then look upward, to Him. Furthermore I hope people see how diverse Catholics are - they’re singers and writers and artists. There is not one specific mold a devout child of God must fit into! 

CAC: Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?

JE: So many people of faith have been willing to give my art a chance, and faith is such an incredible base upon which to build a partnership. The Ordinary, a Catholic newspaper focusing on showcasing artists of faith, included my work in their third issue. Even though I’m not quite an established artist yet, they were happy to give me the opportunity, and were so kind throughout the whole process. The Sheen Center recently had an amazing showcase, where the Ordinary displayed art from all three of their editions. So even though I was not physically there I got to see some stunning art (and 2 of my pieces) displayed in a beautiful manner. 

A Catholic deacon has also hired me to illustrate his book spotlighting the saints - and I’m sure he could’ve gone with any number of highly experienced professionals, but he graciously blessed me with this job, which I love. Working with fellow Catholics takes so much stress out of the process, because I know I am working with open, honest people, who share my goals. 

CAC: Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?

JE: There are so many spectacular artists of faith in the world! I have found that artists who are creating for a higher purpose are encouraging and courageous in their pursuit of what they love and their vocation. Even non-Catholic artists can feel a connection to an image of the Blessed Mother, even if they don’t know who she is or all she stands for. Art opens a door to the faith, through which most people feel comfortable passing through. Which I find so exciting!

CAC: How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?

JE: Honestly, Catholic artists groups such as this Facebook group should exist in all parishes! Whether it’s an online community or a weekly meeting, I think if there was an opportunity to connect, many gifted people would be happy to take it!

CAC: How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?

CAC: I hope openness persists in the artistic world, not towards just the artwork but towards the people behind the pieces. It’s easy to gravitate towards a piece, but upon learning more about the artist and his or her personal life, disconnect. I hope if fellow artists become aware of my faith, they respond with curiosity, rather than judgment.

CAC: Where in Los Angeles do you find spiritual fulfillment? 

JE: In Los Angeles,I’m a parishioner of Saint Anne, and I volunteer with the confirmation classes and youth ministry. 

CAC: How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist living in Los Angeles?

JE: I definitely have found artist communities via social media - which was something I was so against, until I realized what a positive tool it could be!

CAC: What is your daily spiritual practice?

JE: I like daily prayer, and occasional spiritual direction with any priest at my home parish. I find it best to constantly thank God throughout the day, like a long, continuous prayer. It helps my mind stay on track when I’m tempted to fall into an ungrateful, demanding mindset. There are so many things to say thank you for, and I always need to be reminded of that. 

CAC: What is your daily artistic practice? And what are your recommendations to other artists for practicing their craft daily?

JE: Honestly, I do not draw every single day! Someday soon I pick up the pencil and nothing in my head is translating to paper, and I have to stop before I get frustrated with myself and forget that art is supposed to be enjoyed. Some days I’ll draw until 2 in the morning because I’m loving how a piece is coming together. So practice daily patience, and always remember that art, your ability, is a gift - that would be my suggestion. 

CAC: Describe a recent day in which you were most completely living out your vocation as an artist.

JE: Probably just this past week when I finally made a website to sell my work. I have put off doing so for years because I was sure my work wasn’t good enough, or no one would want to purchase it, and I would be embarrassed. The more I thought it over I realized that God does not call us to keep our lampshade over our lights. We need to be confident, even if it feels unnatural at first, and spread joy through what we have to offer the world. When I am bold saying “this is my work, and it’s good!” I feel most in-tune with my vocation. 

CAC: How do you afford housing as an artist in Los Angeles?

JE: Currently i am living at home to save money - and once my fiancé and I move in together after the wedding we will (thankfully) be a two income household! Roommates are definitely a must, at least in the beginning stages of pursuing a career in art.

CAC: How do you financially support yourself as an artist?

JE: Since my expenses are minimal currently, I am more aiming to save and make sure the hours of work I put into a piece are reflected in the price. If I spent four hours on a piece for example, I would make sure I am making at least 15 dollars an hour - it helps to look at such an untraditional line of work in a traditional 9-5 mindset in terms of salary. Your time as an artist in valuable, and knowing that is important if you hope to make a living in an artistic field.

CAC: How much would you suggest artists moving to Los Angeles budget for their first year?

JE: Savings is incredibly important, and I would suggest that affordable housing be a top priority. If you could rent a room, or guest house initially that would be ideal- so that there is wiggle room if the money is slow to come.

CAC: What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?

JE: I would suggest that you throw caution to the wind, and pursue every possible opportunity. In the beginning stages (which I am currently in), it is so important to make your work visible to as many people as possible, be it feature collaborators, buyers or clients.

Secondly, now is a fantastic time to devote as many hours as possible to fine tuning your craft. Post college I finally had time to explore different mediums- such as digital art!

Lastly, make a website (if you haven’t already).