Olivia Johnson is a multidisciplinary artist from Calgary, currently based in Nova Scotia -the province where I first met her. The memory of that encounter is one of the clearest I have of meeting someone for the first time: we were driving out to a campsite on a school trip, and the second I clambered into that car, Olivia instantly pulled me into a deep conversation about dreams, passion, and the world around us. She exudes an electricity that is hard to find in someone – I knew by the end of that car ride that this girl was one for the keeping!
It made perfect sense when she told me she is a filmmaker and artist. Having witnessed her work on numerous projects now, I see how that same electricity manifests in her unique, captivating pieces. Olivia is the embodiment of passion, channelling it into every aspect of her art with sincerity and care. She’s not only one of the most fun friends I have, but also strikingly genuine – a rare and precious combination.
A central theme in Olivia’s work is giving a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. What we as viewers don’t always consider, however, is the thoughtful questioning that goes on behind the scenes – an art in and of itself. Olivia has a remarkable ability to make people feel comfortable enough to share personal and sometimes difficult experiences. I feel so lucky to be privy to this quality of hers through simply being her friend. Thank you, Olivia, for being present, resourceful, and endlessly creative. A true free spirit – I hope you NEVER stop making art!
-Written by Kasia Gwynne-Timothy, BFF
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Which ’hood are you in?
I live in the beloved North End! I love the colour, I love the community, and I love the creativity here. I came to Halifax four years ago to pursue a Bachelor’s of Journalism at the University of King’s College. This city holds a special place in my heart; it’s seen me grow from a teenager into a young woman, and I’m grateful I’ve experienced my coming of age in such a nurturing place.
What do you do?
I’m an emerging documentary filmmaker and writer. I knew I wanted to be a documentary filmmaker when I was 12 years old. More than any medium, I think non-fiction storytelling takes an artist out of the control seat. Documentary filmmakers must put an extraordinary amount of faith in the process as they navigate unfolding stories with all their unforeseen twists and turns. To me, one of the most rewarding aspects of non-fiction storytelling is shaping narratives that are just as – if not more – compelling as stories conjured by the imagination. It’s an honour to be so intimately drawn into worlds that otherwise go unnoticed. As a practice, this work encourages moving through the world in an especially open, present and curious way. Every time I pursue a new project, I think, ‘yeah, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.’
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on my first short documentary titled The Land She Treads. The film is about a cowgirl who restores a bankrupt ranch into a sanctuary for community healing while recovering from a traumatic brain injury. The project was selected among five international films to present at this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival for funding prospects. Attending the world-renowned festival at the onset of my career was truly life-changing and was an incredible opportunity to get the film off the ground.
Where can we find your work?
Check out my Instagram for previous work and updates on my current film!
