For 16 years, groundskeeper Jeremy Johnson has played a key role in shaping the beauty of University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus.

Johnson's talents extend beyond the campus gates and on to the walls of the City of Stockton. Outside of work, Johnson excels as an artist. His stunning murals can be seen in Stockton and have been featured in San Joaquin County magazine.

As part of a new series on the hidden talents of the people of Pacific, Johnson shares what inspired his passion and how his love of art translates into his work at Pacific.

What inspired you to pursue art?

I’ve been an artist most of my life. I’ve been drawing with water on sidewalks since I was a little kid.

My mom is an artist. My eldest brother is an artist. So it’s kind of in the family tree if you will. Since fifth grade, I’ve been doing all sorts of stuff, printmaking, painting, sculpting.

How do you manage your time between your role as a university groundskeeper and your work as an artist?

Managing my time between being an artist and a groundskeeper is very laborious. It comes in waves, but I’m grateful to have a studio space where I can work on my projects. 

It really helps me compartmentalize these two aspects of my life. 

What would you say are the similarities between the two aspects of your life, working at Pacific and being an artist?

It’s all about presentation. You want to make sure that your work looks to the best of your ability. I try to translate that to the work I do on campus as well as to my artwork. 

What are the challenges that come with balancing between your job and your hobby?

A lot of the time exhaustion plays a key role. Summertime is hard just because of being out in the heat all day. So I have to capitalize on the moments out of work to focus on my art projects.

My weekends generally are the sweet spot where I can wake up in the morning with more time, have a cup of coffee, and then just come up with some ideas, maybe on the iPad, in the sketchbook, or here in the studio. 

The studio is a safe place for me, and I am grateful that my family supports me with that, too. 

How many murals have you created in the area?

In Stockton, I’ve created two murals. The first mural was a collaboration with an artist/friend, Alex Suelto on Market Street and Aurora Street. The other one is on San Joaquin Street and Alpine Street at the OTB Disc Golf Place.

What projects are you currently working on?

I recently finished an "Alice in Wonderland" show with a friend of mine and am currently working on ideas for future shows. One concept I'm considering is a skateboard art show; I've always wanted to create a collection of artworks painted entirely on skateboards.

Where can people find your work? 

You can view my work on Instagram (@kolourlab) and at my website, kolourlab.com.