"Art has power, it is a living thing."
About Me
Enhanced by printmaking’s history of narrative, my work explores the shared histories of humans, as told by animals. These compositions are full of animals within animals, a reference to animal cognition and spirits within animal bodies. Personal narrative is woven with mythical symbols and stories which make these pieces both familiar and challenging. Animals have no race, religion, or creed, can be as easily feminine as masculine or somewhere in between. Therefore, they can tell universal stories which weave anthropology, art history, and spirituality – our shared humanness – better than their human counterparts. In our ever changing and sometimes frightful present day, we need to be reminded of the universality of all things, including the human race.
I am a printmaker, artist and entrepreneur, born and raised in Denver, CO, now residing in Greeley, CO where I co-own and operate Wonderhand Studios, a cooperative printmaking studio. I officially fell in love with printmaking in college and earned my BFA from The Metropolitan University of Denver and then pursued my MFA in printmaking from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. I have been the recipient of the Laila Twigg Smith Artist Residency Program at the Donkey Mill Arts Center, in Kona, HI, the Brush Creek Artist Residency in Saratoga, WY, Jentel Artist Residency in Banner, WY and was an Artist in Residence at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, CO. My work has found homes in collections worldwide, and more of it can be found on my website, www.johannamuellerprints.com.
Examples of My Work
Fun Facts
- • Bucket List - I travelled to Oaxaca, Mexico for day of the Dead, something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember
- • Swim Partner - I swam with whale sharks outside of Cozumel, Mexico, took my breath away!
- • Life Skills - I learned to juggle as a teen, and it has served me well, when things get boring, I find three things to toss in the air
- • In Another Life - I might have the hands of a surgeon for all the details, but really, I would want to study animal congnition and behavior
- • Happy Place - Among the pines in the mountains is where you will find me.
More About Me
What gives you goosebumps?
When I think about how intelligent animals are, it gives me goosebumps! I love the stories of animals saving lives, going out of their way to rescue a person or another animal.
Which artist (famous or not) has influenced you the most and how?
I love the work of Beth Cavener. Her oversize sculptures of animals give them other worldly presence and elevate their status. The way she adds emotion to their faces and bodies is adept and transfers the emotion onto the viewer. Seeing her work in person is unforgettable!
What is your hidden talent or claim to fame?
Aside from making art, I am a really good at finish work! I've completed 3 full remodels with my husband, and I am in charge of the drywall, paint, moulding and other finish materials. My attention to detail gets the job done!