LISA JOHNSON
Lisa Johnson’s journey as an artist began in dance, where she developed a deep appreciation for the freedom of movement—a principle that remains central to her painting practice. Her work combines sweeping brushstrokes and gestural lines to create expressive, abstract landscapes imbued with emotion and energy.
Drawing on the tradition of action painting, Johnson’s dynamic mark-making introduces movement and depth, capturing the subtle interplay between external environments and internal states.
Her passion for landscape painting stems from summers spent at Mazinaw Lake, where the towering pines and dramatic cliffs of Bon Echo left a lasting impression. Johnson’s decision to pursue a career in art was shaped by her time working under iconic Canadian artist Joyce Wieland, inspiring her to study painting at OCAD University.
Johnson’s artistic exploration has taken her across diverse landscapes, from the historic streets of Rome to residencies in Iceland, British Columbia, and Newfoundland. These experiences inform her practice, enriching her understanding of place and the complexities of the natural world.
Through refined line work, tonal experimentation, and expressive movement, Johnson continues to evolve her art, inviting viewers to engage with her unique perspective on landscape and abstraction.