In a remarkable story of resilience and creativity, Alexandra Johnson, an ex-city trader, has turned personal tragedy into artistic triumph. Amid the grief of losing her mother, coupled with the isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Johnson discovered a passion for painting that she never knew she had. What began as a way to cope with sorrow in her kitchen has now evolved into a successful career, marked by impressive sales that include a striking portrait of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, which recently sold for an astonishing 51,200 at the renowned Bonhams auction house.

Johnson, a mother of three who resides in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, has no formal training in art. In fact, she left her lucrative career as a city trader in 2002 to focus on being a full-time mother. But following the cancer diagnosis of her mother in 2017, Johnson took on the role of a full-time caregiver until her mothers passing in February 2019. This period of profound loss deeply marked her and, as she describes, when the first lockdown was imposed, she found herself grappling with both grief and boredom. We were really bored when the lockdown started, Johnson recalls, noting that her emotional state was still very raw. I dont think Id spent five hours painting at that point, but during lockdown, the pace of life had become a lot slower. I wanted to see how good I could be.

Her early works were inspired by her mother, a woman Johnson describes as a tremendous influence in her life. Janet, who had once given a kidney to one of her brothers when she was just 60, embodied the strength and resilience that Johnson sought to capture on canvas. I found it so therapeutic, she reflects, emphasizing that her art is deeply personal and a reflection of her feelings. I pull from my experiences. My favorite pieces are anything that are of my mum.

What sets Johnson's art apart is her unique technique; she exclusively uses a palette knife and spatula to create textured paintings that delve into themes of femininity, strength, and resilience. Johnson is particularly passionate about portraying women and their stories, believing that their inner strength deserves to be honored through her artwork. I only do women, and Ive had some really low points in my life, but the women around me just pushed me through, she explains. We come from a big family of powerful women.

Her artistic journey serves as a tribute to the solidarity and support that women provide each other, particularly in challenging times. Johnsons works are not just paintings; they act as a homage to the strength and grace of women, reflecting their capacity to endure and thrive even in adversity. Women wear many hats and spin many plates, she says, encapsulating the multifaceted roles women play in society. Through her artwork, Johnson continues to inspire others, proving that even in the darkest times, beauty and resilience can emerge.