Biography

Steve Johnson

Steve Johnson is a painter and photographer, originally from England, now married and living in NW Indiana since 2002. His art is varied but has its roots in Post impressionism and expressionism. He favors the use of bright colors but never for decoration. Color temperature is at least as important as tone in his work.

Where art is taught, color is often an afterthought, a poor cousin to composition, tone, and form despite the work of many painters who obviously disagree. This is possibly because use of color is the most subjective part of the whole process and not open to analysis in the way that composition or use of tone are.

This is in complete contrast to his photography which is all about tone. He almost invariably works in black and white and tends to use high contrast of contrast to emphasize form and composition. The feels that the process of photography is as objective and analytical as painting is subjective and emotional.

Steve started painting seriously aged around 30 in 1990 and at age 33 was teaching art and producing public works, mainly murals, in the Middle East for two years. The non-academic, naive nature of the region’s art was a hugely liberating influence,

From 1993 to 2001 he participated in many shows in the UK. This period culminated in a solo show at the Start Gallery, Fulham London. He also gained a BS degree in environmental biology at the University of Essex during this period.

He owned a gallery for three years, with his wife Meg Wolfe, and put on three art fairs at the Aquatorium, Miller Beach, NW Indiana, all between 2004 and 2007. He also taught several courses in art and mural painting, most recently to kids aged 11 – 17 at Gary Art Works, Gary Indiana.

The results of a recent project can currently be seen at the foyer of the Chicago Street Theater. Steve was honored to be asked to produce a series of paintings representing the groups 2009 productions. Talks are due to start shortly regarding the 2010 season.

Details

Born: 14th June 1960, Ilfracombe North Devon, England, UK.

Educated: London (High school), Colchester Essex (Degree)

Currently: Living in Valparaiso NW Indiana USA

Married: March 2002

Status: UK citizen residing in USA as a legal resident (green card).

For more formal bio and resume please feel free to contact me