Tye Johnson - Modern Artist 

Artist Statement

I have always been fascinated with people and their dreams or lack thereof. It amazes me that so many

people, myself included, fail to realize the beauty and importance of their own existence. We are the

crayons, the paint... that color this world and we have the power to create the ultimate portrait envisioned by

the Creator. Yet, we often fall short because we have a tendency to mimic another's color, instead of

embracing our own. My artwork seeks to explore societal issues, primarily faced by women, as we seek to

embrace and understand ourselves and live optimally. It is also an exploration into my own psyche and

tends to prophetically speak to matters in my personal journey.

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My love for art and my desire to create began early and led me to pursue a BFA in Studio Art from Michigan

State University. After graduating, I worked as a graphic designer/marketing specialist for an educational

media company and decided that I preferred to be in the trenches of the education system instead. From

there, I received my MA in Elementary Education and became a teacher. I consider my classroom, my ‘live

canvas’ as I shape, inspire, and motivate my students to change the world. All of my experiences combined

have led me to create illustrative, abstract, and loosely figurative art, that juxtaposes common shapes and

colors in atypical ways. When I create, I feel as if I am walking in the supernatural. Although frightening at

times, it is the only place where I find that I am truly free. It is my hope that my art will be a catalyst to

spark social change and individual growth, while shedding light on concerns that connects human hearts

and experiences. -Tye