Justin Johnson imaginative images of Native American life

Artist Statement

Justin Johnson Celebrated Native Americans

The series of Native American life reflecting Justin’s playfulness and imagination gifted in capturing the spirit.  He was influenced by what he learned in high school about Native Americans.

The series was done with markers and crayons as paints were not allowed where he was living. Explore the Arts has added interruptive titles for the pieces.

His mother Janet Johnson discovered this series in Justin’s storage after he passed away in 2014 at the age of 25 from medical complications. There are additional pieces in the series that he had given as gifts.

Using an etch-a-sketch at age five he moved to using whatever materials were available to express his artistic ideas. He excelled and became prolific, working in both 2D and 3D creating wire sculptures and paper mache.

Justin was a special -needs person, high functioning on the Asperger’s spectrum. He suffered from seizures, having had a severe reaction to antibiotics at 11 months old.

Justin touched many lives. He left a legacy of inspired creativity and colorful celebration of what influenced him. He had a strong faith, was enthusiastic, generous, and wise beyond his years.