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At Home With: Johno Prascak
Spatters of colorful enamel resembling confetti mark the triumphant completion of an artistic rendition of Pittsburgh. As a mere onlooker gazing upon a completed work of Johno Prascak (pronounced like “classic”) one can’t help but marvel at how “celebration” is a word that can easily be transposed to describe many of his works. What is lesser known is how deeply embedded the thought of celebration is to Johno’s own view of his life. His widely known popularity stems from his unique renditions of Pittsburgh cityscapes and sports legends. “The Chief,” “Terry Bradshaw,” “Steeler Sunday,” “Heinz Field” and “Three Rivers” are part of the Pittsburgh Collection which all hangs in the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. You feel very proud when you look at Johno’s work. His paintings seem to unleash an energy that ignites both a deep sense of admiration and amusement. As an artist, he makes quite an impression. Johno is able to express on canvas precisely how he perceives life in general. There is nothing Johno takes for granted. For him, life is a precious gift, far too short and sweet.
Nestled just near the top of 18th Street in the South Side Slopes, Johno’s Art Studio teems with projects past, present and ongoing. Each reflects a time, a place or a person that holds special meaning in Johno’s life, and all unleash a story that Johno delights in showing and telling. An ongoing work leans against the wall, almost unnoticed. Johno explains that it is the rough outline of a Yugoslavia village. It is a commission that draws upon his 1990 pilgrimage to Medjugorie, and one that will ultimately express his recollection of the sacred site where there have been reported sightings of the Blessed Mother. Opposite, perched on an easel, looms a large horizontal golf scene entitled, “Reading the Green” which captures an intensely gripping golf moment. And nearby still, lying flat atop Johno’s work table is an action-riveted rendition of Mario Lemieux putting the finishing touches on a hat-trick. The same table is also lined with various colored quarts of acrylic enamels and a pot of sand which gets incorporated into each original. Johno collects sand from all around the world and will also incorporate a client’s personal sand, collected from vacation spots, into commissioned pieces.
 Above: "Reading the Green" All throughout his studio, Johno relates every painting to a story. A curious collage of matchbooks, beer tops, cigarette butts and many more interesting items compiles the story of “A Saturday Night at Mario’s,” which highlights Johno’s experience as a bartender. “I am inspired by life,” Johno confesses. “The people I meet and what’s happening in the here-and-now.”
“My grandfather’s name was Yonko (Johno) Prascak.” he explained. “I was named ‘John’ for him and, as I got older, I decided to add an ‘o’ to John as a way of paying tribute to my roots. I am also German!” Johno recounts his early life with a great deal of gratitude, not only his family but also his faith for surviving a very long and cumbersome illness that nearly killed him. “I was born in Munhall but grew up Dormont,” he said. “I was pretty sick as a kid. I had ulcerative colitis and was in and out of hospitals for nine years. I even missed a year of High School. Eventually, as kind of a last hope, I underwent surgery to have a permanent ileostomy. It changed my life for the good. Throughout my illness and recovery, as a way of escapism, I would look at art books as an alternative to watching reruns for the millionth time. I first picked up a paint brush out of boredom. I was somewhat depressed being so ill for so long.” Unable to do very much physical activity, painting was something that Johno could do without asserting a lot of effort. “I went into my parent’s garage and found some Rust-o-leum paint and just began to paint!” Johno added, naturally shrugging his shoulders. It was one of these early paintings that would eventually spark Johno’s career.
Johno’s talent and wonderful life outlook continues to provide surprising opportunities. In fact, it’s almost as if they trail after him. He inspires many who face life hurdles to press onward. In 2005, the Beating The Odds Foundation, an organization which “helps America’s youth become winners in life, despite the challenges, setbacks, or obstacles they face in today’s society,” commissioned Johno to paint Penn State football star Adam Taliaferro. Taliaferro suffered a life-altering injury during a game at Ohio State, and doctors were doubtful that he would ever walk again. Taliaferro courageously went on to beat the odds and, nearly one year after his injury, he walked onto the football field with his teammates behind him at Beaver Stadium. That moving moment was captured by Johno and now is offered as a limited edition print with all the proceeds supporting the BTO Foundation. His artwork entitled “Hollyhocks” was featured on the set of the final episode of “Will and Grace.” Three of his NFL prints will also be showcased on CBS this fall on the set of “The Class,” a new series produced by Tim Kaiser and starring Jason Ritter.
“I knew a volunteer and decided to present 20 bird paintings in the show,” said Johno. “I noticed a few booths down a couple of sisters who were also presenting artists. That’s when I introduced myself to Maria.” Johno reflects on everything for a moment. “I never had art lessons or even the least bit interest in art, for that matter. I simply didn’t plan any of this. All I had was a will to live. I acted out of both defiance and honor for life and what it deals you. It was meant for me…” He pauses, as if remembering, and then smiles as he continues, “I believe it was all simply meant for me to become…me!” For more information on Johno Prascak, visit his web site at www.johnosart.com.
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