Yohan Jonsson is a contemporary mixed media sculptor. He welds “outsider art” from broken items in a range of materials, including metal, wood, fabrics, tar, leather, wire, welding filler, and rust. He even creates retrospective works from barbed wire and cernit polymer clay.
How long have you been in business?
I began using welding for art eight years ago. And turned it into a business six years ago.
I see your company is headquartered in Norway, how long have you been there? How has the recent economic crisis affected your business?
Well I’m located in Luleå and Svarttjärn but my galleries are mainly in Norway. The crisis has had no effect so far.
Where/How did you learn about welding?
I always was fond of doing things my own way. So, I taught myself.
Who do you look up to? Who do you look to for inspiration in your business and/or your creative endeavors?
Inspiration is mainly music, literature, film, artists like Kelly Moore, von Trier, Drew Landry, Peter Hoeg, Shelton Hank Williams, Beckett…
How old were you when you first got into welding and what initially sparked your interest?
An old farmers smithy full of rusty old metal that needed to be put together [initially sparked my interest]…
What certifications do you hold and how have they benefited you and/or your business?
None.
What kind of music do you listen to while welding?
No music, just talk.
Where do you see yourself and/or your business in the next ten years?
More galleries. More biennials.
What is the state of the welding industry in Norway and how has the current worldwide economic crisis affected business?
Luleå is an old industrial town with one big industry. And lots of people, entrepreneurs depending on it. I’m pretty sure the welding industry has suffered…
Thanks Johan!
