Mari JOHNSTON 2024

One’s childhood is a fascinating and formative period of life and nature is a large part of those memories..  Our childhood is when we make the most memorable moments in our life that we keep with us. These memories evoke powerful emotions that transports us back into the simpler days of our youth.

My work focuses on themes of childhood nostalgia, presenting oil paintings on circular wood tree logs to evoke memories and nature. My work is inspired by vibrant colours and unique patterns and reflects her deep connection with her family and friends. I use wooden logs as my canvas to present my memories as if they were stored in time and these also symbolize the passage of time and climate conditions, adding a natural and nostalgic dimension.

I have painted these in oil paint on the one side of the wood and magical worlds on the other. The stained glass paintings also add to the sense of nostalgia and provide a contrast between the wood and nature aspects. My goal is to show how an adult’s nostalgia can coexist with one’s inner child and childhood imagination.

 © Mari JOHNSTON