Artist Statement

Nature has been a visual translation…

a vehicle of artists throughout the ages to express themselves, this is the motivation and concentration of my work.  The landscape genre investigates paintings ability to record the authenticity of the real world and to communicate the artist’s experiences in nature. Yet, there is more to the painting of nature than simply an observed interpretation.  What I mean by this are the emotional feelings, thoughts and concepts that artists delve upon to create their work. In my case these elements are influenced by the beauty and power of the nature and unexpectedly, its evanescence or gradually vanishing from sight.

The effects of light on the land convey the cycle of nature, which is without the beginning or end and changing constantly.  It is filled with dark, light, snow, fog, moon, stars, sunrise, and sunset. Changes in nature happen so expeditiously - i.e., the seasons, the time and the temperatures of the day, and growth of vegetation – that in my domain, which is the inspiration for my work, a landscape never appears in the exact same manner twice.

Other elements that affect the making of my paintings are nostalgia, isolation and spiritually.  Which are all symbolized non-verbally and symbolically through both the effects of light and brush stroke.  Consequently, the mark making translation in my work may initially appear to be solely the result of direct observation, however they are actually a complex combination of these diverse elements reinforced by strong recollections of specific emotions that were felt while observing the scenes.

The images that form my work are inspired by being in nature, photographs, and observations (not just visually, but also by sense of smell and sound).  My work examines nature through impassioned encounters wherein visual sensations affect emotions and they become a new emotional response. As John Dewey states, “Art is not nature, but is nature transformed by entering into new relationships where it evokes a new emotional response”.   Therefore, the images from nature are also a way of communication unexpected or new emotions, as well as ideas pertaining to human perception. My work chronicles specific feelings that I experienced at specific times of day and attempts to convey those emotions to the viewer.

My compositions have roots firmly entrenched in various landscape painting traditions, artists and inspirations.  Therefore, I admit that my paintings are inspired by a multitude of contemporary and historical figures in the world of art, however, when I create a painting, I want to generate work that is different and unique to myself.  I am looking for something new, Avant-guard, something aspired to fashion the best art in me.

- Rick W. Johnson