Artist Stephen T. Johnson’s mixed media Kana Card series combines the spontaneity of fluid paint with collage to create colorful, intimate images. Learn more by visiting his website.
“Kana Card No.26.1″ Archival Print on 100% Museo Portfolio Rag Paper, 24″ x 33”
Years ago on a trip through Japan, I bought a small box of Kana Cards in Kyoto.
“Kana Card No.37″ Oil, Acrylic and Collage on a Kana Card, 2″ x 3”
These cards are used to learn Japanese syllable script called Katagana and Hiragana and each one has beautifully printed Kanji on off-white card stock.
“Kana Card No.43″ Oil, Acrylic and Collage on a Kana Card, 2″ x 3”
Beginning in 2016, I have used these cards to provide a support upon which I create intimate, abstract paintings and collages that form my ongoing Kana Card Series.
“Kana Card No.80″ Oil, Acrylic and Collage on a Kana Card, 2″ x 3”
Working within their small 2 x 3 inch format, and using their black calligraphic characters as an inspirational point of departure, I combine the unctuous fluidity of paint with the vernacular constructs of collage to produce works combining spontaneity and measured thought.
“Kana Card No.104″ Oil, Acrylic and Collage on a Kana Card, 2″ x 3”
These compositions invite explorations of a complex topographical world where colors, textures and movement engage both eye and mind.
“Kana Card No.29.1″ Archival Print on 100% Museo Portfolio Rag Paper, 24″ x 33”
Recently, I have had a small selection of my Kana Card paintings photographed in sections, then combined to create a single, large high-resolution file, enlarged to almost twelve-hundred percent (1200%) then printed on 100% portfolio rag paper.
“Kana Card No.90.1″ Archival Print on 100% Museo Portfolio Rag Paper, 24″ x 33”
The dramatic change of scale is remarkable. Details emerge unexpectedly where formerly the numerous small gestures now become grand, sweeping dramatic marks.
“Kana Card No.101.1″ Archival Print on 100% Museo Portfolio Rag Paper, 24″ x 33”
With the large format of these works, the exaggerated textures, paper edges, expressiveness of the brushstrokes and minor bits of previously unimportant areas are transformed into a new pictorial genre.
“Kana Card No.47″ Oil, Acrylic and Collage on a Kana Card, 2″ x 3”
My Kana Card Series continues to provide me with an open, free associative source of abstract exploration using scale and the intermixture of painting and collage.
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