Chloe Purpero Johnson
Meet Chloe Purpero Johnson, a Charleston-based artist who seamlessly blends childlike wonder with the rich history of her European upbringing. In this interview, Chloe tells us all about her creative process, the influence of her travels, and her dream of illustrating a children’s book. A nice reminder to celebrate the simple beauty of everyday things.
Hello Chloé, how are you today? What were you doing before answering our interview?
Hello! I am doing wonderfully thank you, enjoying a sunny Saturday. Just put my son Judah down for a nap.
Could you tell us more about yourself, where are you based?
I am based in Charleston, SC, and we are grateful to be celebrating our fifth year in this vibrant city. This marks my sixth year as a full-time artist and my first year as a working mother. I'm navigating the challenges of balancing it all, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey. Each day brings new joys and discoveries as I embrace both my creative passions and my role as a mom.
How does living in Charleston, South Carolina, influence your work?
This city has a rich history of creativity, with talented people both living here now and in the past, which constantly motivates me to create in my everyday life. During our walks, I’m inspired by the beautiful 18th-century architecture and the charming flower boxes that decorate the buildings. It’s a special place—not too big, yet large enough to always discover a new street or hidden corner.
Does your son, Judah, inspire your whimsical illustrations in any way?
A childlike spirit has always been a profound source of inspiration in my work, for as long as I can remember. Now, having my own child as part of my everyday life has made the experience even more special. His joy, innocence, and sense of wonder have infused my creativity with new energy and excitement.
Can you tell us about growing up in Europe? Would you say it shaped your artistic style?
I was fortunate to live in Europe from elementary school through high school. On weekends, we would take trains to different cities, immersing ourselves in countries that were geographically close yet culturally diverse. One of the most remarkable things about Europe, and the old world in general, is the incredible craftsmanship and ornamentation that went into everything—something you don’t often see in modern America. Everywhere you looked, there was inspiration to be found. Florence is often called an ‘open-air museum’, and it truly lives up to that name. The quirky aspects of my art, however, are rooted in my time in Germany, where everyday objects often carried a playful, folk-inspired charm.
What drew you to focus on illustration?
For my 10th birthday, my mother gave me a Winsor and Newton watercolor set, and that’s when I first remember feeling a deep passion for painting and drawing. Ever since then, illustration has held a special place in my heart!
How would you describe your style?
The words I always return to are playful, whimsical, soft, and nostalgic.
You mentioned being fond of late 18th-century folk art and children’s books. How do you find these aesthetics come together in your work?
I believe the visual connection between folk art and children’s book illustrations lies in their non-literal approach. Both translate the world around them into simplistic, figurative forms. Additionally, both genres tell a story. When I paint, I always have a narrative in mind, drawing inspiration from this rich storytelling tradition that is seen in both folk art and children’s books.
What is your typical creative process for developing an illustration?
I typically envision a concept and jot it down in my journal. Most of my ideas come to me as I’m trying to fall asleep, so I make a quick note to ensure I remember them. Then, I paint in my sketchbook, creating a variety of objects. For example, my recent series titled Mangia is inspired by life in the kitchen and the moments spent around the table; it features chairs, forks, fruits, vegetables, plates, a kitchen sink, etc. Then cut out these elements and arrange them in different ways to create a cohesive composition. I’ve been using this process for years, and I find it incredibly satisfying.
What are your long-term goals and dreams as an illustrator?
My greatest dream is to illustrate a children’s book. Reading played a significant role in my childhood, and I believe the characters and themes from those stories shaped who I am today. My tastes, interests, and even my character were inspired by the books I read, so having the opportunity to impact another child in the same way would be a dream come true. Two of my favorites were Chrysanthemum and Madeline.
I would also love to open a shop with my husband where I can sell my work, alongside a curated selection of goods from other creators and unique found objects that I’ve thrifted.
What exciting projects are you currently working on that you can share with us?
I am currently preparing for a workshop in Boone, NC, where I started my career as an artist! I’ll be teaching the process of transforming original artworks into prints, which will be a lot of fun. Additionally, I have a show coming up in November featuring all original pieces focused on my favorite subject: botanicals.
Chloe Purpero Johnson - @cocoshalom
www.cocoshalom.com