Artist Bio
David Johns was born and raised in Toronto. He graduated from OCAD University and worked as a graphic designer in design studios, advertising agencies, and the corporate environment, specializing in information design.
David is inspired by the natural world. Colour, texture and shape are what continue to motivate him. After OCAD University, his artistic experience was gained primarily through attending workshops and studying other artists’ work. He produces works in a variety of mediums: photography, monoprints, sllkscreen, and pastel.
David is a volunteer committee member with the Don Valley Art Club and The Artists’ Network of Toronto. He is also a Member of The Pastel Artists of Canada.
Artist Statement
David Johns presents five primary series in his collection:
Elderly Leaves: Photographs of autumn leaves, capturing their unique colours and simplistic beauty. This series presents an understated elegance and warmth.
Roadside Silhouettes: These are the “other” flowers in the city with their utilitarian structure. Their distinctive configurations inspired David to photograph them in silhouette. The use of black and white highlights their intricacy.
Silkscreen Monoprints: A celebration of flowers growing around David’s neighbourhood. David paints the images directly on a silkscreen using silk dyes and transfers the image to paper using a release agent and squeegee. Whimiscal and bright artworks.
Pastels: Being in love with colour, pastels, a pure pigment, offer David one of the best opportunities to express his interpretations. He enjoys every messy minute.
Road Art: Photographs of objects and scenes which David collected during his 25 years riding a bicycle to and from work in Toronto. The images provide unique perspectives of details often overlooked.
