Carmen Cartiness Johnson

Carmen Cartiness Johnson



ARTIST STATEMENT

I create art because I enjoy it. I think art should be fun. Art doesn't always need to deliver a message. Art should not require the viewer to have academic education in order to understand a work. I think art should break boundaries and challenge rules.
I am painting things I see in the world. I like the human figure and story telling. Painting images that speak to the challenges and joys human beings face on daily basis. The subject matter I choose is based on my past, how and where I grew up as well as the places I travel daily. Ideas can come from a phrase in a song, a poem and proverbs, as well as novels and movies. I like off beat subject matter. My ultimate goal is to give the viewer situations in which they can relate.
The challenging part is getting the image from my mind to the canvas. I work primarily with acrylic paint because it's odorless and clean up is easy.

Rider University, 2007

2018, San Antonio Tricentennial Celebration, Carver Center
2018, Chicago Museum Science and Industry, Jan. 2018 -Feb. 2018
2017, Blue Star Contemporary Museum, Red Dot,
2015, Hunting Art Prize 2015, Finalist, May
2015, Freeman Coliseum, Two Commissions, January 2015
2014, Carver Cultural Center, San Antonio, TX, May
2013, UTSA, SEAS, Group Exhibition June 2013 - July
2012, United Health Systems, San Antonio, TX, Permanent Collection
2012, San Antonio Painters, Blue Star Art Contemporary Art Center, May-August
2012, African American Museum Dallas, Carroll Harris Simms National Competition,
2011, Carver Cultural Center, Solo Show May
2011, Charles H. Wright Museum, Detroit Michigan, December 2010 - April
2010, 80th. Annual San Antonio Artist Exhibition,
2008, SAVA Gallery, San Antonio, Texas, October
2008, Parchman Stremmel Gallery, San Antonio, Texas, Solo Show May – July
2008, 78th Annual San Antonio Artist Exhibition, President Contributor Award, June
2007, GAGA Art Center, Garnerville, NY, Outsider Show, July