biography

Liz Johnson is a visual artist born in Birmingham. She works in several disciplines including painting, photography & mosaics. She paints mainly on large canvases in acrylics, oils and mixed media using an impasto style.

To quote Liz, "I find painting landscapes thought-provoking and evocative; there is so much scope for versatility with an ever changing environment. Watching the light and colours moving quickly amid unpredictable atmospheric conditions provides a backdrop which seems to reflect every aspect of human nature. I endeavour to convey an element of this in my work."

Liz was educated in Birmingham, before studying Mural Design at Chelsea School of Art, London. She has worked as an Artist in Education for Birmingham Royal Ballet and as a Scenic Artist for the Royal National Theatre in London.

In 2003 Liz moved to Ireland where she now lives and works as a practicing artist. Her first solo exhibition was held in 2004 and her work has been selected for solo and group exhibitions in Ireland, England and China.

She has received Arts grants for various projects and residencies including a bursary for a residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in 2005. She has completed three Per Cent for Art Commissions in Ireland, and her work can be found in the Public Art collection of Westmeath County Library, Offaly County Council, The Department of Education and in private collections in Ireland and abroad.

Liz is currently studying for a Masters degree in Socially Engaged Art at the NCAD (National College of Art and Design) Dublin.

She is a member of Visual Artists Ireland & Ivaro.

Exhibitions

Selected Solo

2012  ‘Blue in Green’ The Market House, Co.Westmeath.

2010  ‘Butlers Bridge and beyond’ The Atrium, County Buildings, Co.Westmeath.

2007  ‘Scenic Route’ curated by Assumpta Nugent.

The Old Market House Arts Centre, Co.Waterford.

2004  ‘Blues Incorporated’ Mullingar Arts Centre, Co.Westmeath.

Selected / Curated Group

2009  ‘DRAWING EIRE’ curated by Chen Jia Le.

411 Galleries China: Shanghai Times Square, Hotel Equatorial Shanghai, The K Space Bejing, Red Star Culture Hotel, Hangzou.

2009  'An Post C Both Sides' curated by Helen Carey.

Dublin Civic Offices, Siamsa Tire Tralee, The Linnenhall Castlebar, Galway Museum, The Market House Mullingar.

2008  'Night thoughts' Royal West of England Academy, Bristol.

2007  ‘CEAD in China’ curated by Arvo Brune & Chen Jia Le.

411 Galleries China: Shanghai Creative Window, Hotel Equatorial Shanghai, Central Academy of Fine Art Beijing, Red Star Culture Hotel Hangzhou.

2006  'Exordia' Ritz Gallery, Co.Westmeath.

2006  'Market 06' curated by Assumpta Nugent.

 Old Market House Arts Centre, Co.Waterford.

2006   Boyle Arts Festival Co.Roscommon.

2005  ‘Fusion’ Ritz Gallery, Co.Westmeath.

Public Art Commissions

2012  Offaly County Council & Tullamore Town Council: Per cent for art.

2012  Presentation Senior School, Co.Westmeath: Commission for painting.

2011  St.Brigid's Primary School, Co.Cork: Per cent for art.

2010  St.Colmcille National School, Co. Westmeath: Per cent for art.

Residencies

2012  Dysart National School, Co.Westmeath.

2012  Presentation Senior School, Co.Westmeath.

2012  Midlands Regional Youth Service Tullamore.

2009  St. Colmcille National School, Co.Westmeath.

2009  Presentation Senior School,  Co.Westmeath.

2008  National Learning Network, Co.Longford.

2007  Presentation Senior School,  Co.Westmeath.

2006  Ballynacargy Intergenerational Arts Project.

2005  Rehabcare, Co.Offaly.

2004  Gaelscoil An Mhuilinn, Co. Westmeath.