artist | shana johnson

Shana Johnson is an abstract artist whose work is inspired by nature, intuition, and emotion. Her vibrant paintings capture the energy of each moment, with colors and textures emerging organically. She embraces the creative process, allowing spontaneity and movement to guide each piece.

Creative Process

Shana draws inspiration from nature, including flowers, trees, the sky, and the subtle energies around us. She turns these rhythms into color and form. Whether in her studio or outdoors, she relies on intuition to create art that is both lively and calming.

Her paintings explore themes of emotion, healing, transformation, and connection. Through layered techniques and fluid movement, she achieves a natural flow that is both unpredictable and balanced.

Her Story

Shana began her artistic journey in her early twenties after a traumatic car accident that profoundly changed her outlook on life and purpose. She turned to painting as a way to process intense emotions and rediscover herself. What began as a personal healing practice soon became a lifelong passion, leading her to study at Central Saint Martins in London and pursue a career as a full-time artist.

Education

Shana holds a BA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, a leading institution in art and design. Its alumni have made significant contributions to contemporary culture and creative practice.

Installations

Shana creates site-specific paintings and installations in wildfire-affected regions of California. She immerses herself in the recovering landscape, drawing inspiration from the regenerating land, trees, and wildlife. Developed as a film project, her work documents the painting process within these resilient environments. Through her art, she explores renewal, resilience, and hope, offering communities a visual reminder of nature’s ability to heal.

Films and Multimedia

Shana brings her art to life through experimental films and multimedia works that document the transformative painting process in real time. She records canvases as they evolve with color, energy, and movement, often in natural settings. By layering projections and digital elements onto her paintings, she creates immersive experiences that explore light, motion, and dimension, bridging traditional painting and contemporary media.

Publications

2013 – “Shana Johnson First One Man Art Show Interview,” CBS2 / KCAL9 Los Angeles
2013 – “Local Beauty Queen: From Tragedy to Triumph,” NBC affiliate / KMIR6 Palm Springs
2013 – “Artist’s First One Man Show at LGOCA,” Stu News Laguna
2013 – “Shana Johnson Opening at Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art,” OC Community Network, Patch Laguna Beach
2019 – “Local woman shares her story of how a tragic crash helped her find her hidden talent,” CBS Austin

Exhibitions

2013 – “Shana Johnson, One Man Show,” Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art, California, USA
2014 – “In The Flesh,” Crowded House Art, California, USA
2015 – “Opening of Rebecca Fine Art Gallery,” Studio 714, California, USA
2017 – “The Child Mind: Painting with the Public,” Kings Cross Construction Center, London, UK
2017 – “UAL: Creative Debuts,” The Black and White Building, London, UK
2018 – “BA Fine Art Degree Show,” Central Saint Martins, London, UK
2019 – “Painting with Prana,” Buen Camino Yoga, Casa De Luz, Texas, USA