ARTIST STATEMENT

BIOGRAPHY

Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Johnson began to really get involved in art while attending Northwest School of the Arts.  Northwest allowed him to completely engulf himself into learning a wide range of mediums and techniques.  Johnson then went on to study at East Carolina University, where he received a Bachelors and Masters of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing. During his time at East Carolina University he created several murals for the Mendenhall Student Center, as well as, taught drawing and design classes. Johnson received several awards and recognitions, including, “Best in Show” and “First Place Painting” at the Illumina Art Exhibition in Greenville, NC.  Recently he completed a mural, along with two other artists, for Princeville’s Heritage Park, which commemorates the history of Princeville, NC.  He also has work on a large display in downtown Charlotte. Currently, Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Drawing and Design at Meredith College and resides in the Raleigh area.

Artwork by Cameron Johnson

As an artist, I constantly evaluate what I give value to, and how those values are represented in my work.  At its core, my art is a depiction of the family dynamic and the effect it can have on an individual and society.  I am very intrigued by the priorities society and religion place on family and personal relationships.  My family gave me a strong foundation, provided me the room to grow, and supported me through my decisions.  Indirectly, that support is what led me to art and continues to encourage my creativity. 

The starting point of almost all of my work is the human perspective.  Because life is processed through our lenses we are the subject and I find it hard to deviate from that perspective.  I usually begin with an under drawing, letting my thoughts develop on the canvas, almost like a sketchbook entry.  I try to show the changes I make through the use of layers and variations of detail, in order for the viewer to see how my ideas develop.  Making adjustments on the canvas enables me to remain loose and to approach the painting as a process and not a product.