Gallery Plans and 2010 events

The plans for the gallery are coming along. The name will be "The Woods Gallery" and Kathryn Elizabeth Studios. The target opening date will be March 5th, the first Friday of the month. I will be showing my own paintings for the event. Come April we will be having a guest artist, Lyn Sparks who will be showing her photographic art. We are much anticipating the opening and future shows. All opening nights will take place the first Friday of each month. We will start with personalized invites and eventually hope to be part of the NE Portland art walk. As of now there is no specific art walk for North Portland. I will be trying to spear head something of this nature.

I will also be going back to school to complete my graphic design fine arts degree at the Art Institute of Portland.

Come October 2010 I will be showing my work at Leisure Public House, a neighborhood pub down the road from our house. www.leisurepublichouse.com

Many exciting things to come in 2010!!!!

New Bio

-Kathryn Elizabeth Johnson-
No matter how tired I am from the day, I find myself lying in bed for hours thinking pretty ridiculous thoughts. Although I have some trouble sleeping it’s at those times I get the best ideas and dream up fantastic projects. Some ideas proclaim themselves brilliant only until resurrected in the light of day, but regardless keep me pretty entertained. Other times I keep myself completely horrified, letting my imagination get the better of me. That can be productive too. This creative crazy land starts here, and then I have fun fine-tuning.
I’m a big fan of acrylic paint, texture, big googly eyes, complimentary colors, paint on wood, typewriters and splotches of ink on paper. I really enjoy the painting process. I find it to be the language I understand best, and a great way to communicate. I think as a culture we are driven by our emotions, dreams, aspirations and childhood memories. They are tools that make the world go ‘round, helping us figure out our everyday lives. Although some may spend their lives trying to fight them, I spend my days trying to make use of them. Either way we are suckered in.
My only hope is that my artwork allows it’s viewer to realize something, whatever that something may be. Maybe they remember a book they read as a child, or a reoccurring nightmare, or perhaps they just remember an item to be added to their grocery list. Whatever it is, if they have taken a moment of consideration than it’s a success, connection achieved. The fun of it all is finding a way to bridge the gap, break through barriers, speak from the gut and poke the person next to you. Poke on…