The Journey to a Name
Years of Reflection
After reflecting on this topic for many years, I finally came to a decision about what my artist name would be. I considered different possibilities like Jean (in French), Giovanni (in Italian), João (in Portuguese), Juan (in Spanish), and many others.
Inspired by Simplicity
I finally made my decision when dear Pope Francis left us. I admired him for his simplicity and his choice to lead a humble life, despite the possibility of living in the luxurious papal palace. One cannot forget the simple life of Saint Francis, whose name he had chosen as his papal name.
A Humble Legacy
Pope Francis carried his simplicity even unto death. For his burial, he asked that his tomb bear only the name "Franciscus," his papal name in Latin. After his funeral ceremony and burial this weekend, I suddenly asked myself the same question: What should be my artist name?
Emotional Decision
Was it out of emotion? Did I feel that I, too, needed a simple artist name that would reflect my roots and values? Did this ceremony remind me of my initial desire for a simple, minimalist version when I first started building my website? I do not know. But I am fully conscious that, after all these years of reflection, a decision had to be made.
The Latin Choice
I was aware of the two Latin variants of my first name — Ioannes and Iohannes, with or without the "h." I chose Iohannes, with the "h." Now, I have a simple landing page with my artist name alongside my official name.
My Signature
I will be using "Iohannes – JS" or "Iohannes – John Samuel" as the signature for my personal (art) works. This name represents the connection between my contemporary identity and timeless tradition.
The Landing Page Image
Iohannes - John Samuel