Renae Johnson

Based in New York, New York, Renae Johnson has become a jack-of-all-trades in art creation. As a teenager, Renae began her art career by studying jewelry making, painting, clothing design and manufacturing. Finding talent and passion in art, Renae continued her education at Grand View University double majoring in Fine Art and Graphic Design. Upon graduating Renae worked as a Design Director for several years and owned a fine art painting company, Renae Johnson Portraits. She toured the country showing in galleries and art fairs, which lead to many commissioned projects. During this time Renae also trained with Sustainable Surfaces, gaining expertise in construction, furniture building and refinishing, mosaic design and installation, and interior design.

These experiences opened a passion for building and sculpture, leading Renae to join the MFA program at Pratt Institute in 2009. During her time at Pratt, she enhanced her sculptural ability and material knowledge exploring mold making, fabric manipulation, papermaking, chemistry of paint, and life casting. As her artwork is based in communicating the individual’s persona, it was a natural progression for her to transition into the Creative Arts Therapy and Creativity Development program at Pratt. As an art therapy intern, Renae has spent the last two years working with two diverse populations. In 2011 she worked with homeless adult women with mental illness at Brooklyn Community Service’s Transitional Living Community. Currently she is working with teens and young adults studying to gain their GED at Hudson Guild Community Center. She is projected to complete her MPS in August of 2013.

Artist Statement

For me, art in all its forms is about communicating the emotions, thoughts, desires, needs, and experiences that words cannot adequately portray. As I have delved fully into the psychology of communication through artwork, it has created in me a deep empathy for others with the new ability to witness the subconscious, nonverbal art we all create in our every day.