Print Exchange 2024: Julie Johnson

I am an artist inspired by bright colours and crisp textures in my everyday surroundings from the wrappers on small candies to the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains visible from my backyard. Being self-taught has given me the freedom to experiment without overthinking my creations. I have been growing in my skills for the past seven years in my home studio. The work of carving is meditative. The cuts I make are a balance of planning and instinct. I love to break down layers of colour and structure in my mind and express them tangibly in the buildup of a piece. It is like taking a puzzle apart and putting it back together. That moment when I peel back the final layer is so satisfying and rewarding.