Past Works
Leroy Johnson
Leroy Johnsons was a native Philadelphian and mixed media artist who explored the nature of urban life on a personal as well as metaphysical level. He created paintings, drawings, pottery, and assemblages, inspired by contemporary events as well as memories. His work explores the meaning of the “beautiful” and attests to the power and attraction of the “unbeautiful”.
During his two-part residency in 2017 and the one in 2020, Leroy responded in unexpected and surprising ways to the rural environment. He made several landscapes; befriended and depicted local birds; set up a raku kiln and used local clay to make pottery pieces. During the 2020 visit, Leroy combined his fascination with birds and the dominant skies of a rural landscape to create a series of works: fiery skies dominated by the dramatic, black shapes of flying birds.
“My work is concerned with life and existence in the inner city. The inner-city landscape I depict is both map and metaphor for the actual landscape and the contents of the collective unconscious. I note and am impressed by the various makeshift structures I find in the urban environment. Newsstands, garden shacks and the temporary shelters made of cardboard tin and/or wood, made by people without tools or homes.”
Leroy continued his unfailing, undaunted artistic pursuits, a search for meaning and connection, until the end of his life in July of 2022.
Summary Of Spring Residence
Leroy Johnsons was a native Philadelphian and mixed media artist who explored the nature of urban life on a personal as well as metaphysical level. He created paintings, drawings, pottery, and assemblages, inspired by contemporary events as well as memories. His work explores the meaning of the “beautiful” and attests to the power and attraction of the “unbeautiful”.
During his two-part residency in 2017 and the one in 2020, Leroy responded in unexpected and surprising ways to the rural environment. He made several landscapes; befriended and depicted local birds; set up a raku kiln and used local clay to make pottery pieces. During the 2020 visit, Leroy combined his fascination with birds and the dominant skies of a rural landscape to create a series of works: fiery skies dominated by the dramatic, black shapes of flying birds.
Leroy continued his unfailing, undaunted artistic pursuits, a search for meaning and connection, until the end of his life in July of 2022.
Art Created at the Art Barn
Spring Residency
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Barn Swallow
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Barn Swallow on Log #1
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Barn Swallow on Log #2
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Bird with Food
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Equipment Storage Shed
Summary Of Fall Residence
The Board will consider how best to use what Leroy learned and can offer from his experiences. Should he be a member of an advisory board? Should he return to continue the relationship with members of the local community? The local arts groups? Perhaps these and other alternatives will make the most of the time he has already had and the enthusiasm he has developed and created.
I think the biggest lesson learned is as follows: it is critically important to be able to adjust the residency as opportunities arise and as individual artists influence the situation. It is my hope that we can continue to do so with all residents and in all instances.
