Will Johnson Loves You Just The Same: The Paintings Of Esther Pearl Watson

Even if his name isn’t instantly familiar to you, Will Johnson has probably been a part of at least one musical project you’re a fan of. After moving to Denton, Texas, in the early ’90s for college, Johnson formed Centro-matic, which has released numerous records since 1996. In 2002, Johnson, his Centro-matic bandmates and guest musicians started issuing more introspective records under the South San Gabriel moniker; the same year, Johnson released his first solo LP. Since, Johnson has played drums with Monsters Of Folk, toured with the Undertow Orchestra (featuring David Bazan, Mark Eitzel and Vic Chesnutt) and started work on a Woody Guthrie project (with Jay Farrar, Jim James and Anders Parker) in the vein of the Wilco/Billy Bragg Mermaid Avenue albums. Johnson’s latest release is the self-titled debut by Molina And Johnson (on Secretly Canadian), his duo with Jason Molina (Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co.). As if he wasn’t busy enough already, the Austin-based Johnson will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our Q&A with him.

Johnson: Esther Pearl Watson grew up in various locales around north Texas. Throughout her childhood, her father built large flying saucers out of old auto parts and scraps. At times, this freaked the neighbors out. It was also evidently part of the reason her family moved around so much. She weaves much from this unique upbringing into her complex and stunning paintings. Her attention to light, detail and bustling life of each piece is to the point where I keep finding something new with each return. Plus, y’know, flying saucers. Sometimes I’m so happy to see her work, I about grind my teeth. Video after the jump.