Linda

Johnson-Dynek
Artist Statement - General


My photography, paintings, and other artwork all reflect a consciousness of the
connections between the complex beauty in human condition and the aesthetic
uniqueness in the universe. I use metaphors in my photographs, paintings,
weavings, and metalwork to explore these links, showing the connection between
humanity and the natural universe.

In my photographic alterations, I layer images to develop concepts and ideas that
cannot be achieved with a single image that connect to nature and the human
condition. In my photography and painting, I consider myself a generalist and am
not constrained by genre or subject. My portraits explore the themes of feelings,
personal experiences, and intimacy and I place my subjects in specific environments
to emphasize the essence of the person and place. In my landscape work, I work to
capture the feeling of the place over the accurate depiction of the space,
intentionally using art elements to invoke feeling and aesthetic connection,
emphasizing the exquisite uniqueness in nature. In my still lifes, I tend to get close
to the objects, allowing viewers to see what they normally miss, or miss what they
normally see. I also have fun with symbolism, often including objects which are
integral to the composition, but that also have symbolic, secret meanings, based on
symbolism in art history.

My areas of expertise include photography, painting in acrylics, pastel painting,
fibers, metalwork & enamels, and ceramics. In all of these media, the link between
the human condition and how the natural universe mirror and support the other, is
apparent. Carl Sagan said, “We are made of star stuff.” That interconnectedness
between humanity and the universe, whether physical, emotional, or communal is
apparent to me, everyday, and I want my art to illuminate that synergy.