A self taught artist, Andre Johnson ("AJ") was born and raised in the Marcy Projects located in the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn, NY. During the era of hip hop in its infant stage, he was fascinated by the DJs, music and style of clothing. "My love for the arts started at an early age. I see art in everything and have a deep passion for color and texture."

His mother was a serious seamstress and made clothes for everyone in the neighborhood including all of the robes for the choirs at their local church.

He was his mom's "official needle threader".

Surrounded by material, he was intrigued by the different fabrics and textures. Little did he know the base of his artwork would come full circle with his past.

See how that work came to life below.