More Hockey Is Art

Last month, I wrote a post called Hockey Is Art, where I looked at the Chris Tucci's beautiful world of stippling art, better known as BiskitArt.com

Well now I've found another artist's website, and I am again compelled to share it with you.

CujoArt.com is the online gallery and shop of Curtis Johnson, an Alberta based painter. He's got a real passion for painting, but also for hockey and hockey history.

It would take a wordsmith far greater than I to be able to capture Johnson's talent and finished products, so I encourage you to visit his website and experience his work first hand.

What I do know, or at least firmly believe, is that what sets Johnson's work ahead of others, isn't so much his talent, but his work ethic, passion, and inspiration. I believe that to be true about any undertaking, be it on a painter's canvas, a writer's keyboard or a hockey player's rink.

This comes from Johnson's artistic statement:

"Where does my inspiration come from? Like many artists it comes from the experiences, interests and passions I have developed through life. From an early age I had a love of drawing. This manifested itself with a passion for Mythology and Legend. As I grew older I also gained an interest in Canadian History and as you may have guessed from my work the common thread throughout is Hockey. Growing up on a farm in Northern Alberta, it was hard not to influenced by our national pastime.

I try to encapsulate all these interests in my paintings. Many of our legends and history are tied to this icy game. The Richards and Gretzkys are held in the same esteem( or higher) as the John A. Macdonalds and Jacques Cartiers of our lore. I try to bring a mythic sense to the paintings that might not be other wise seen in other paintings dealing with hockey. This is achieved through scale and or composition.

As well as mythos , I try to bring a sense of whimsy and fun into the works. After all it is still a game. I bring in physical elements of the sport in and appropriate images or compositions that reflect aspects of the sport.. By doing this, I hope the viewer will see my work in a different way. Perhaps someone likes hockey but does not feel art is accessible to them , maybe this could help them see art in a different light. Conversely, someone who enjoys art but has no appreciation for hockey could see something of value in the game."