“Art, Faith, and Magazine Street”: An Interview with Casey Langteau Johnson

All images courtesy of Casey Langteau Art Gallery

Danny Fitzpatrick: You recently moved to a new gallery space on Magazine, a street where people come together to eat, to shop, to drink in culture, and most of all to celebrate. Why have you made your artistic home on Magazine?

Casey Langteau Johnson: I chose to make the gallery’s home on Magazine Street because of my deep love for this city—a place that truly celebrates and appreciates art like no other. Magazine isn’t just any street; it’s a vibrant, ever-buzzing hub where culture, food, and community come together. I’m constantly inspired by the gracious visitors and the lively energy of events like the monthly Saturday Art Walk and yearly Champagne Stroll. Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people here, and the relationships I’ve formed have enriched both my art and my life. I’m excited to continue growing and sharing my work in a space that is the forever home of the gallery, knowing that the spirit of Magazine Street will keep inspiring and celebrating art for many years to come.

DSF: What sets your work apart? And how did you arrive at your distinctive style?

CLJ: I’ve found that working with a palette knife instead of a brush really shapes my work, giving it a loose, impressionistic style. It lets me layer on a lot of texture and focus more on the colors and shapes of a subject rather than getting caught up in tiny details. I tend to favor a light, neutral, and pastel palette because it helps create a calm, joyful atmosphere in my paintings. Over time, this approach has naturally become part of my process—it just feels like the right way to capture the mood I’m aiming for.

DSF: Your collection includes many charming works for children. How has motherhood affected your art?

CLJ: Motherhood has been a transformative journey for my art. While I’ve always been drawn to creating playful, child-like work, becoming a mother has given me a fresh perspective on capturing the magic of childhood. It’s taught me to slow down, savor the little details of life, and truly appreciate the innocent joy in every moment. This new outlook has sparked even more creativity and a deeper understanding of what delights kids. For instance, my child’s whimsical love for ducks, bows, shoes, and bubbles—an unexpected mix—has inspired me to create a piece that celebrates her unique favorites. In many ways, motherhood enriches my work by keeping me connected to the genuine wonder of childhood.

DSF: It’s common to hear about the tension between the life of a parent and the life of an artist. Often we get the impression that the two are mutually exclusive. Thoughts?

CLJ: I definitely see both sides of the equation. While parenting gives me a constant flow of inspiration and fresh ideas, it can also make it tough to carve out dedicated creating time. When a nap is cut short and I have wet paint I just mixed, I’ve learned to adapt—often pulling out some colors and brushes so my daughter can make her own artwork. It’s a fun challenge to blend the two worlds. In many ways, my daughter informs my work, and my art creates a playful space for her. With a bit of balance and flexibility, I believe the life of a parent and the life of an artist can not only coexist but enrich each other.

DSF: Another thread running through your work is that of faith. How does faith inform your art? 

CLJ: Faith is a constant guide in both my art and daily life. Even though not every piece is overtly religious, I aim for my work to reflect the peace, joy, and contentment that my faith brings me. I let those values shape my decisions—both in the studio and beyond.

For example, when my husband and I were hoping to grow our family, I developed a close connection with Mary. We kept a Mary statue for daily prayers and devotion, and when I got that positive pregnancy test, I felt extremely close to Mary and was compelled to give thanks by painting “Hail Mary.” Every time I look at that piece, it reminds me of the many blessings our family has received and the role faith continues to play in inspiring my art.

DSF: Just like with children, it often seems like there can be lots of conflicts between the life of faith and the life of art. Have you found there to be any special challenges to being an artist who, though not strictly a sacred artist, still incorporates elements of faith into her work?

CLJ: It’s definitely a delicate balance. I’m inspired to create these sacred pieces, yet I sometimes struggle with the idea of charging for something that feels like a reflection of God’s work. At the same time, I have a business to run—with employees, expenses, and the realities of sharing my art with others—so I have to navigate that line carefully. I often think of Matthew 6:24, which reminds me to keep my priorities in check and not let financial concerns overshadow my purpose. That’s why, whenever I release a new spiritual print, I also host a fundraiser for an organization that reflects the teachings of Jesus. It’s my way of making sure the work serves a greater purpose beyond the gallery.

DSF: What does the future hold for Casey Langteau Art?

CLJ: I’m incredibly grateful to be at a point in my career where I feel content and blessed by the life I’ve built through art. I hope to keep moving forward in much the same way, honoring the One and the community that has brought me here. Looking ahead, I’m excited about a new collection centered on Jesus’s journey that will debut around Easter—especially my new painting, “The Last Supper.” It’s a project close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share these pieces with everyone.

DSF: Last question—what are the best things about being an artist in New Orleans?

CLJ: I’ve always loved being a New Orleanian—I was born and raised here, so it’s been amazing to see how the city has evolved while always holding onto its charm and culture. As an artist, it’s so rewarding to capture my favorite places and moments in New Orleans and share them with others. One of the best parts is hearing from collectors about why a piece speaks to them—whether it’s a childhood memory, a special trip, or just their love for the city. Even visitors and those who have moved away tell me they want to bring a little bit of New Orleans into their home, which makes me even more grateful to create artwork that celebrates this one-of-a-kind place.

[This interview originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of the Joie de Vivre print journal. To purchase this issue or an annual subscription, click the “Subscribe” tab above.”

Casey Langteau Johnson, a New Orleans artist, is known for her soft pastel palette and think textures creating pieces that evoke joy, peace, and inspiration. Her work ranges from serene landscapes to abstract coastal scenes, each designed to uplift and enrich everyday life. As the owner of an established gallery in New Orleans, Casey is dedicated to bringing beauty and meaning to the spaces we cherish most. To view her website, click here.