Virginia Beach artist John Koehler endured an infection, chronic pain and mood swings caused by bipolar disorder in 2023.
During that time, he found inspiration in the flowers and plants around his house and backyard. He could easily capture photos, combine them and create art using Photoshop.
“I was just taking photos of plants right around the house. I could hobble out there after my surgeries with my walker or my cane, and then I would put them together using Photoshop,” Koehler said.
He’ll showcase the work he created that year in a new exhibit he’s calling “My Crazy Botanicals” at Koehler Artworks Gallery.
“I’m calling it ‘My Crazy Botanicals’ because they really kind of helped me to stay alive,” he said.
The pieces are digital abstract photographs edited and merged to create unique abstract pieces using only digital tools and programs at home.
The gallery features artwork depicting various flowers and plants Koehler photographed. Some pieces use the same photo or plant but have been edited differently in shape, color or texture.
“The thing that I love about the iPad and doing it digitally is that I can try so many variations so quickly, whereas if you’re painting something, if you go too far — especially in oils — you have to get rid of that canvas,” Koehler said.
Koehler routinely engages with fans of his artwork on his Facebook page, where he receives feedback and learns which pieces resonate with his audience.
His exhibit will include pieces selected by his social media fans. Koehler invited his followers to vote “left or right” on his posts to help choose final versions of his work.
“It gave me something to do. Meanwhile, I was coming in and working every day here, keeping the company going and working with our people and with authors and everything else. But it gave me a focus. It wasn’t a brand-new focus, but art became more important,” said Koehler, who founded Koehler Artworks in 2020.
It’s an art collective specializing in animals, botanicals, surrealism and graphic design. He used his art as an outlet during the pandemic and to manage his mental health challenges.
“Art can be a therapeutic device. It can help the artist forget about their own pain or problems. And the act — the act of creation — is like a drug,” Koehler said.
“My Crazy Botanicals” opens Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. at Koehler Artworks Gallery in Virginia Beach. Admission is free and individual art pieces will be available for purchase.
