Biography
Ben Johnson was born in Philadelphia and grew up in southern New Jersey, close to the state's storied Pine Barrens. This unique ecosystem is where Ben spent much of his childhood, and where his love of the natural world grew strong.
Ben studied painting and sculpture at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, prior to enrolling at the historic Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Upon graduation, Ben was awarded with one of the Academy's prestigious travel grants, which afforded him his first opportunity to travel throughout Europe, further extending his artistic studies. Promptly after his return, Ben began showing his work professionally in Philadelphia with Artist's House Gallery, where he continues to exhibit. Ben's studio is currently located in Southern New Jersey where he lives with his wife Elizabeth Rollins, their two cats, and one newt.
Ben's love of the natural world is evident in his paintings. Even when his choice of subject matter turns toward man-made structures, it's the natural elements, the effects of weather, and the patterns of light and shadow that interest him. Nature, as it exists in its myriad of ways, is Ben's true and constant subject.
Birds have been a lifelong area of interest for Ben, and a number of years ago he became hooked on the subtle art of bird watching, and has focused more of his attention on them, both in and out of the studio. His work has become more detailed in distinct ways over the years, and the close attention required in identifying birds in the field has owed much to this transition. However, the mystery and open-ended quality that has been ever present in Ben's work continues to be an important aspect of every painting. For Ben, maintaining a delicate balance between key details and mystery is one of the true satisfactions and challenges inherent in the art of making a painting.
·View a profile of Ben Johnson in American Art Collector, June 2008·