TYRA
JOHNSON

Tyra Johnson was born in San Antonio, Texas. As a child in a military family she relocated often. Life in Germany and Colorado resulted in a love of the outdoors. With time, she became involved in visual, theater, and musical arts. This combination of passions resulted in her interdisciplinary artistic approach.

Johnson’s work focuses on communicating human experience through natural forms to demonstrate their interconnectedness. Themes rooted in mortality and social constructs prevail in her work – ultimately questioning the perceived fixed nature of these concepts. The contrast between fixed and fluid is consistently present in her work through style and material choices.

As an avid outdoors person, Tyra draws stylistic inspiration from topography and time spent in nature. This natural quality combined with metal, gemstones, and mirrors further emphasizes contrast: organic vs manufactured, delicate vs rigid, light vs dark. Johnson utilizes traditional ceramic techniques along with earthen architecture building principles. Due to the conceptual character of her work, she often incorporates poetry, musical accompaniment, and lighting elements to guide viewers to the question at hand. Through stimulating multiple sensory systems, Tyra creates an experience to navigate beliefs and ultimately inspire behavioral change.

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Photography by Taylor Stewart.