As one of Charlotte’s most respected philanthro- pists, art gallerist with international influence, wife of NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson, and doting moth- er of two darling girls, Chandra Johnson is every bit as approachable as she is astute. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, becoming a professional model, and spending years traveling the world, Chandra discov- ered a passion that has become a driving force in her life, and eagerly delved into the world of contemporary art.
Her love for learning, her remarkable eye that she devel- oped in her career in fashion, and her veracious student- ship of art culminated in her founding of SOCO Gallery (named, appropriately, for Southern comfort) in 2015. Located in Charlotte’s historic Myers Park in a charming 1920’s bungalow, Chandra’s vision has translated into a dynamic contemporary art gallery fully committed to a program of exhibitions and projects by acclaimed inter- national and regional artists.
The gallery’s ambition has resulted in its participation in several notable art fairs, including its debut presentation in the prestigious Armory Show in New York City from September 9-12, 2021, where it will present a solo booth of paintings by renowned artist Clare Rojas. In addition to the exhibition program, SOCO Gallery also presents an ongoing series of artist talks and cultural seminars. SOCO Shop, located in the gallery, offers a unique range of art and lifestyle books, limited edition artist prints and artist designed objects.
It is no wonder that Chandra’s remarkable sense of style and eye is heavily influenced and intertwined with her love for art and creative craft. Her definition of style, and how to live that definition, goes far beyond the realm of her wardrobe, and is the result of a carefully curated, thoughtful approach to every part of her life. Style, for Chandra, is really about cause (her authenticity) and effect (her style), and how she wears her clothing—exuding confidence, warmth, and sensibility—is just as important as what she wears.
The LUX team had the privilege of conversing with Chandra in SOCO Gallery’s lovely garden patio, and what transpired was a real, intelligent conversation around her philosophy on style, and the impact that collecting contemporary art has had on her life, includ- ing how she dresses each day. For this story, we moved away from the Gucci’s and runway fashion talk, and delved into Chandra’s story about art—and how style really is a matter of the heart.
How did your love for visual art begin, and how has your interest in and pursuit of art intersected with your lifestyle, and how you curate it?
Growing up in Oklahoma, I was in- fluenced and exposed to art through my sister’s interest and talent. Her childhood paintings covered our wallsnext to two Georgia O’Keeffe posters my mother loved. I remember visiting the Philbrook and Five Civilized Tribes Museum where I was exposed to Native American artists, Jerome Tiger and Kay WalkingStick. I left Oklahoma after col- lege for work in New York and overseas, and it was then that my interest in art (and culture) really ignited. I began col- lecting photography at first, then moved into furniture, ceramics, sculpture and painting. My husband, Jimmie, is very involved and loves it almost as much as I do. Over time, our approach has shifted more toward art patronage of contemporary artists we know and love, which has been the most rewarding way to grow a collection.
What are your sources of inspiration, in addition to visual art?
A big source of inspiration comes from my envi- ronment, surroundings and travels. After produc- ing a few project-based exhibitions in Charlotte, I opened SOCO Gallery. Our goal over the past 6 years has been to bring international, emerging and mid-career artists to our community while si- multaneously supporting and promoting regional artists. We call it the Prism effect -- bringing new and interesting ideas to North Carolina that en- gage us in a global art conversation + giving our local artists a platform.
Are there consistent themes throughout your home, your art collection, or other- wise? Has one been an influence on anoth- er or vice versa?
In all aspects of life, Jimmie and I believe in taking risks and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone. This theme definitely shows up in our home, art collection and business endeavors. At SOCO Gallery, we recently had the opportunity to add an annex space to our gallery. Our inten- tion with this new space is to push our current program, highlighting more experimental art- work and art practices. It will provide a bold, new layer to what we currently do.
What is your favorite art piece? Why?
It is hard to choose a favorite piece of artwork, but recent- ly I have been very excited by the work of Jackie Milad and Clare Rojas. Jackie recently showed at SOCO Gallery and was a resident at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation this past summer. Jackie relies heavily on process to drive her work, engaging in drawing, painting, collage, and tex- tile techniques to create dense layers of disparate cultural symbols on a single surface. Clare also leads with process and narrative, now choosing to work in both figurative and abstract fields. SOCO Gallery will be showing a solo booth ofClare’s work at The Armory Show in New York this Septem- ber. We are incredibly excited for her as she is truly experi- encing her own sense of artistic freedom.
A FEW OF CHANDRA’S FAVORITE THINGS: Art Object: Cody Hoyt octahedron Jewelry: Blaine Hurdle hand necklace Restaurant: Conca del Sogno on the Amalfi coast
China: Nelson Coalport
Heirloom: Her grandmother’s antique silver pickle forks
Hotel: High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, North Carolina
Boutique: Capitol in Charlotte, NC Museum: Foundation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland
Clothing Item: Yasher Shaw scarf/shawl
