Craig Johnson does not go out much. When he does it is to make art from found items. Step into the ArtPark, go through the tall gate, across the garden yard, past the big dinosaur, through the orchard, and into his garden plot – where you will find pieces of Craig’s art. Here, Craig has his sculptures, paintings, and creations. It goes on and on. At every turn, there are myriad examples of his lifetime of boundless creativity – paintings, ceramics, and more. And, possessing extravagant flowing gray hair, long beard, and the statuesque physique of a wizard, Craig is something to behold. He is one who knows who he is and what he thinks, and one who does not suffer fools gladly.
“I am jack of all trades,” Craig tells me. “Tapestry, embroidery, painting, ceramics, stained glass windows, illustration, graphics, pots, candlesticks, and sometimes bronzes. My ambition is to be a small town artist, so if you need decorations for the street party, or an sign painted, or a stage designed, I could do it. I can understand techniques easily.”
We lost track of time as it grew dark outside, and I thought – if I had created a world as absorbing as Craig Johnson’s, I do not think I would ever go out either.
