Demarquis Lamar Johnson Artist Statement Using your surroundings and making it worthwhile is what Demarquis Lamar Johnson's art is all about. More than just art, it is work that teaches you to make the very best of what you have. Many of us had this ability as children, but now it is easily lost in the daily grind of our lives. With this thought in mind, Demarquis hopes to inspire us to return to this forgotten place. Without frills, or gimmicks, this artist uses a brown-paper bag, an otherwise innocuous object, as his canvas. He gives us vivid representations of childhood figures animated against colorful backgrounds of everyday life. This is remarkably done in a straightforward, uncomplicated, yet ingenious manner. The folds, contours and color of the brown paper itself are all utilized in the composition. Together with the strong shapes and symmetry, a boundless story is told. Even still, Demarquis would like people to understand as much as possible from his work. Often many of his pieces are accompanied by poems that provide another layer to the imagery already in place. This is a further attempt to capture a higher level of inspiration. With such strength behind his works, it is surprising to learn that this mostly self-taught artist has only been painting the brownbag pieces for a little over three years. "My paintings are created by thinking of nothing I learned and just creating from my heart without the 'Art rules' that are pounded into students. Teachers spend too much energy teaching young artist to "trace the work of the Masters'." This is the statement he hopes to instill in his audience: limitless imagination. Prior to this period, Demarquis had brief formal art instruction and worked in other mediums. His work is currently displayed at the following venues: Currently at Outre Gallery in Downtown Richmond near VCU (3 West Broad St.),Detail Gallery in Delaware, (117 Church St. Rehoboth Beach Delaware) and has previously exhibited in the Plieades Gallery 23rd annual National Juried show in New York last summer. (Article from: "The Brownbag" an online newsletter) Artist Brief Bio - Demarquis Lamar Johnson. Originally from Meridian, Mississippi. Son of Military parents. 10+ schools before high school graduation. Attended Virginia Wesleyan College DNF graduation TBD. Brief stint as An Art Gallery Assistant. Artwork consigned @ Serendip Arts And Antiques Norfolk Virginia, Detail Gallery Rehoboth beach Delaware. 80+ paintings sold-Childrens Hospital,Mayor of Norfolk,Doctors, Teachers, Artist Etc.. Normal working world 23+ horrible jobs and counting. Recently Joined the Navy. * Interested in leaving an impression on the earth. Who I'd like to meet: Oprah,Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Jordan, Malcolm X, Picasso, Andy Warhol,Spike Lee. etc. etc. My Great Grandmother. DeMarquis's goal is for his work to inspire people to go after their dreams and grab hold to those special moments in their lives.