TLC once advised people, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls,” but clearly local artist Steve Johnson didn’t listen.
Those water features called to him; so much so that he painted a series of iconic Canadian waterfalls, which are currently on display at Crow City Coffee.
These aren’t natural scenes from the likes of the Group of Seven. Johnson instead employs vivid colours and delivers an interpretive view of each set of falls individually.
“The style is … I’d call it ‘expressionist.’ It’s my own style. It just comes out,” Johnson, who is also a photographer, said. “I believe that art should come from within. You put it out and express it. These waterfalls were God given. They’re beautiful.”
Johnson who moved to Chatham from Carleton Place a decade ago, said the 14 paintings showcase waterfalls from coast to coast.
“Every province is represented, and the three territories are represented – from west to east,” he said of the exhibit. “From Brandywine Falls in B.C. in the top left, finishing up with Churchill Falls (in Newfoundland) in the bottom right.”
He has visited about half of the falls in person. Some of them are in rather hard-to-reach locations. And another, while located near Quebec City, involved a trek that is not for the faint of heart. Johnson said when visiting Montmorency Falls, he climbed to a place not recommended for anyone who has a fear of heights.
As for choosing waterfalls as the collective subject for his first post-retirement project, Johnson had a simple answer.
“I chose that because it is eternal. It’s lasting. It’s beautiful. It moves people,” he said. “Canada has some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world.”
His next project, however, may expand and cross spans. For starters, it may encompass North America or possibly beyond. And the subject will be bridges.
“It might not just be Canada. It might be iconic bridges and railway trestles worldwide or in North America,” he said.
Johnson said he’s been influenced by artists such as Willem de Kooning and Stuart Davis.
His waterfall work is on display until May 3 at the coffee shop. The pieces are available for purchase, and anyone interested can contact Crow City Coffee, or Johnson directly at [email protected].
