Artist and Sudnat Studios co-founder Kandus Johnson’s 11 Good Things

In this series, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better.

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Kandus Johnson is an Atlanta-born-and-raised artist who makes playful, colorful art. She is inspired by nature and cartoons, and those themes reflect in her work. Pulling from the environment around her, she merges reality with her imagination to build an altogether new, whimsical world. She is also a co-founder of Sudnat Studios, which hosts local pop-up markets with handmade art and painting classes year-round. You can find her art at a wide variety of stores, breweries and restaurants and also online on her website.

Here, in no particular order, are her 11 good things.

1. HomeGrown Decatur. Located in the heart of Decatur Square, they carry products from more than 200 local artists. All handmade! They were the first store to ever carry my art. There’s also a ton of fantastic restaurants and boutiques around, so make a day of it!

2. Fall. It is my absolute favorite season. The colors, the temperature, the fun holidays approaching — there’s just something so special about watching the year slowly come to an end. Did I mention I get goosebumps when I see some good fall leaves?

3. Mexican food. I have a weakness for queso and guacamole. Unhealthy and healthy, they balance each other out, right? I would be vegan if it weren’t for cheese, so I’ll just remain a vegetarian. (Raging Burrito is in Decatur Square and is AMAZING!)

4. Music. I listen to music every single day. I love creating and jamming; they go hand in hand! My first concert was Lynyrd Skynyrd when I was 8 years old at Lakewood Amphitheater. Thanks Mom and Dad!

5. Cuddling. Every night, whether it’s my partner or my dog. I’m an addict.

6. Grindhouse Killer Burgers. They literally have one of the best veggie burgers I’ve ever had! Plus their drinks are super cheap. Best of all? The Decatur and Brookhaven locations have a rooftop that’s 21+. They have five locations, so find one close to you and GO!

7. Atlanta Braves. Baseball is, by far, my favorite sport. I grew up watching the Braves and played on numerous baseball and softball teams. Some friends make fun of me because I still have my old softball bag with three bats, five gloves and an embarrassing amount of softballs and baseballs in it. I may or may not keep it in my trunk just in case I get a wild hair.

8. The North Georgia mountains. I am a mountain girl all the way. Screw the beach! Give me that nature, waterfalls, creeks, hikes, mountain tops and curvy roads! Georgia has an incredible amount of land to explore, and I am thankful to be a Georgia peach.

9. Will Ferrell. An absolute clown and one of my favorite actors! Step Brothers is definitely a top 5 movie for me. And Talladega Nights. And Anchorman. And Old School. And Zoolander.

10. The Sky. I am always looking up when I go outside. From blue skies to stars, I’m just curious what’s up there. Plus, I’ve seen UFOs twice in my life and numerous shooting stars. It’s so thrilling! The best nights are with my folks in central Georgia — beer in hand, a warm bonfire, dogs and us lying outside on our backs watching the sky. That will never get old.

11. Animals. I am a HUGE animal lover. Dogs are my favorite, but I do not discriminate! I’ll pet any animal that’s wanting love.