Meet Maury Johnston!
Tupelo native Maury Johnston is spending her summer at the Caron Gallery as our intern. She's a recent graduate of Mississippi State University and a very talented artist! Get to know a little bit more about her below:
Can you tell me about your artistic background and how you began your journey as an artist?
I began painting as soon as I could hold a paintbrush–I always wanted to be an artist. On “dress like your future job” day, I wore an apron and held a paint palette. For my fourth birthday, I had an “Arty Party.” I began more seriously painting in high school, and began creating commissions for friends and family. During college, I majored in Fine Art with a concentration in painting and continued creating commissions both locally and expanding beyond while also finding my unique style and thinking about the themes I wanted to explore in my own work.
What inspires your work, and how do you incorporate those influences into your art?
My work is inspired by a blend of modern and classic figurative art. I am fascinated by how classic artists captured the human form with such precision and emotion, while modern artists bring in a sense of abstraction and boldness. I incorporate these influences into my art by combining classical techniques with the vibrant, experimental aspects of modern styles. This fusion allows me to maintain a fresh, innovative approach to painting the classic subject of the human figure. The result is a body of work that I hope reflects both the enduring beauty of traditional art and the exciting possibilities of modern expression.
How would you describe your artistic style and the themes you explore in your pieces?
My artistic style is a mix of realism and abstraction. The themes I currently explore in my pieces revolve around the journey of growing up and the beauty found in everyday imperfections. I am particularly drawn to capturing the essence of childhood—the resilience, laughter, and moments of chaos that define it. Through the use of bright colors, dynamic compositions, and a lively mix of patterns and figures, I aim to convey the energy and vitality of these formative years.
Can you walk me through your creative process, from conception to completion of a piece?
My creative process begins with an idea and a personal photograph. I then think about the composition and color palette, and I create a sketch to outline the structure of the piece. I start painting with acrylics, establishing the initial layers of color and form. Once the acrylic layer has dried, I transition to oil paints. This allows me to build depth and richness, applying several layers and continually refining the colors and details. The piece evolves with each layer, often undergoing significant changes before reaching its final form.
What are your goals for this collaboration with our gallery, and what do you hope to achieve?
My goals for this collaboration with the Caron Gallery are to share my vision and passion for art with a broader audience. In creating my collection “Growing in Grace,” I hope others can reflect on their own experiences of growing up and resonate with my paintings.
