About the artist
Amy Johnson, b. 1976, Charlotte, NC
My creative practice is defined by fearless experimentation in order to best translate my ideas. I begin with thoughts and questions that come to me by way of personal experience. Photography, video, performance, installation, clay, textiles, printmaking, and glass, all have a presence in my portfolio. My work is a reflection of my life. I am inspired by the surrounding landscape, political and social issues, fairy tales, art history, and architecture. I also receive a great deal of inspiration from my former teachers and collaborators. In addition to formal research, I also rely on my intuition while working through both formal and conceptual decisions.
My current work presents the dark realities facing the natural world. The challenge lies in presenting, the landscape, a figure and/or an object that is beautiful and intriguing, yet holds recognizable sadness that creates thought, conversation, and compassion. I am interested in relationships that present tension: seductive, beautiful, dream-like subjects where the reality of the object or idea at hand is devastating, even ugly.
My life as an artist is about questioning our world from a female perspective and embracing the challenge that comes with pushing and developing one’s work. Every new idea is an opportunity for both artistic and personal growth. My intention is to make this world a better and more thoughtful place.
Winter 2024
Education:
2007 Master of Fine Arts, Ceramics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
2005 Post Baccalaureate, Ceramics, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
2003 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics + Photography, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
1998 Bachelor of Science, Sociology, Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC
Artist-In-Residence:
2017 McColl Center for Art + Innovation, Charlotte, NC
2013 Arteles Creative Center, Haukijärvi, Finland
2009 Centrum, Port Townsend, WA
2008 Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, VT
2005 Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts, Helena, MT
Awards + Fellowships:
2023 Idaho Commission on the Arts Performing and Media Arts Fellowship, State of Idaho
2021 Idaho Commission on the Arts Grant, State of Idaho
2021 Alexa Rose Foundation Artist Grant, Ada County, Idaho
2017 Rasmuson Foundation Artist-In-Residence McColl Center for Art + Innovation, Charlotte, NC
2016 Art Matters Foundation Grant Finalist, USA
2014 Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Fellowship, Alaska
2013 Alaska State Council on the Arts Individual Opportunity Grant, State of Alaska
2008 Artist Trust GAP Grant, Seattle, WA
Vermont Studio Center Artist Grant, Johnson, VT
2006 Elmer Craig Award, National Conference for the Education of Ceramic Arts
2004 Autio Award: Juried student exhibit, University of Montana
Honorable Mention: Juried student exhibit, University of Montana
Selected Teaching + Professional Experience:
2020 University of Alaska, Selected Juror: Lecture and Critique, Anchorage, AK
2017 Winthrop University, Visiting Artist: Lecture and Critique, Rock Hill, SC
2017 Green Mountain College, Visiting Artist: Lecture and Workshop, Poultney, VT
2016 TILT : producer & curator of multi-media solo exhibition downtown Anchorage, AK
2015-16 Adjunct Art Instructor, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK
2010-11 Studio Assistant, Katy Stone Studio, Seattle, WA
2009 Adjunct Art Instructor Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA
2008 Green Mountain College, Visiting Artist: Lecture and Workshop, Poultney, VT
Centrum Young Artist Program Core Faculty, Port Townsend, WA
Private Collections:
Leonard and Tannie Hyde, Anchorage, AK
Matt Claman and Lisa Rieger, Anchorage, AK
Laureen Young and Mike Parise, Anchorage, AK
University of Montana, Museum of Art and Culture, Missoula, MT
Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
Karen Dacek, Bainbridge Island, WA
Robinson, Bradshaw and Hinson, P.A., Charlotte, NC
Publications:
2017 Featured Artist, Earth Issue, November 2017.
2017 “Artist Profile : Amy Johnson”, Amy Rogers for McColl Center for Art + Innovation, October 2017
2016 "Artist Creates Her Own Gallery to Showcase Work", Mike Dunham, Alaska Dispatch, July 8, 2016
2012 “Up Now, True North,” ART News, September 2012, p. 118.
2011 “Amy Johnson at Gage Academy and Fetherston Gallery,” Artdish: Northwest Forum on Visual Art, March 2011.
2010 “Waking Up at Cal Anderson: a Q&A with artist Amy Johnson,” City Arts, August 10, 2010.
2009 Clayton, Alec: “Gilded Cage: An Elegant Installation at SPSCC,” Weekly Volcano, February 12, 2009, Olympia, WA.
2007 Hart, Jordan: “I was in a Relationship with Art: An Interview with Amy Johnson,” http:/www.centrum.org/youth/2007/10/an-interview-wi.html
Hackett, Regina: “Henry and the Masters” http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/art/archives/115867.asp?source=rss