The MonDak Heritage Center will host a print making workshop and artist reception for master print maker Eric A. Johnson on Nov. 16. Johnson's exhibition, "A Cut Away: Reduction Relief Prints", will be on display until Jan. 13 with an opening reception on Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. Join Eric Johnson to discuss his process, inspiration, and artwork. Johnson states, "These engagements provide a deeper insight into the inspiration and creative process behind my work, fostering a more meaningful connection between the artwork and the visitors."
Over the last 25 years, Johnson has created well over 225 prints and has exhibited extensively in over 60 regional and national exhibitions, proving to be one of the region's most prolific artists. Johnson's unique use of color, especially apparent in his prints, is one reason his work has received acclaim around the country. In January 2019, Johnson opened "Big Oak Press", his printmaking studio and currently he teaches art and art history at Minnesota State Community and Technical College and Humanities at Mayville State University, is Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists president, and is working on both paintings and reduction relief prints.
Driven by a passion for storytelling through visual art, Johnson continues to evolve and experiment, pushing the boundaries of his chosen mediums. His art not only reflects a profound connection to the world around him but also invites viewers to embark on a visual journey that transcends conventional boundaries. Johnson's work in printmaking primarily focuses on the reduction method of relief printmaking. The reduction method, also known as the subtractive method, was developed by Pablo Picasso along with his master printer, Hildago Arnera. This method uses one block to print a multicolored image instead of using one block for each color.
To experience print making for yourself, register for Eric Johnson's Linoleum Blocking Printing workshop which will take place before the artist reception at 1 p.m. on Nov. 16. In this fun hands-on printmaking workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of relief printing using battleship linoleum. Johnson will guide you through the entire process of creating a small edition of five original prints. You'll start by transferring your design onto linoleum and then carve it using specialized tools to form your image. With guidance from our instructor, you'll learn how to ink your block and create consistent impressions using a small press. By the end of the day, you'll have produced five high-quality prints to take home and the skills to continue exploring printmaking on your own. No prior experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Come ready to get creative and leave with your own unique edition of handmade prints! This workshop costs $40 for MDHC members and $50 for not yet members. Stop by the MonDak Heritage Center, call 406-433-3500, or go to https://mondakmuseum.square.site/ to register! Spots are limited.
Eric Johnson states, "The main focus in my work, throughout my career, has been conceptualizing my personal experience into pieces that the viewer can relate to, regardless of their background or experience into pieces that the viewer can relate to, regardless of their background or experience with the images presented. As I work, I put myself, if only briefly, into feelings of my audience; this has always been the goal of my work: to provide an escape into a feeling of winder and miracle from a world that is often full of misery, negative happenstance, and mundane tasks."