Hello,
I'm Timothy Gordon Johnson (Tim, he/him), husband, father, Certified Energy Manager and Canadian metal artist. Working from my studio in the south end of Ottawa, I create sculptures that invite interaction with the viewer's perspective and their surroundings. My work endeavours to balance the heavy and the airy, the limitless and the limited, the analytical with the abstract.
Grampa Gord
Growing up surrounded by music and dance, it was under my grandfather's patient tutelage that I learned the joy of working with my hands, the thrill of exploring my creativity and the power of empathy and human connection. It is in my Grandfather Gordon's honour and legacy that the studio practice is named.
Work
I tend to work mostly with mild steel, weathering steel, aluminium and brass. These materials offer the most freedom and deepest visceral experience for me to express myself with. I'm also drawn to contrasting materials like exotic woods and stained glass in my mixed media pieces.
Artist Statement
As a process-driven artist, my sculptural creations stem from a dialogue with the materials and a visceral connection through the journey of making. This exploration allows the work to organically evolve as I investigate the transformative potential of shapes and human connection. By emphasizing line and shape, I capture the visible and mystical aspects of our world, creating a palpable sense of inner vitality and presence.
Embodying the delicate balance between stillness and imminent motion, heavy and airy, my sculptures defy the constraints of their weight and volume, allowing metal to dance and evoke melody. I invite viewers to engage with my work on a subconscious level, fostering uniquely personal experiences. The interplay of light, shadow, and solid colours contributes to a minimalist aesthetic.
My material choices, including mild steel, weathering steel, aluminium and brass, inspire distinct appearances and forms. Incorporating mirrored gazing globes in much of my work, I aim to provoke introspection and self-discovery, promoting inclusion and tolerance amid life's complexities.
Through my art, I rekindle enchantment and celebrate vulnerability and self-reflection. These seemingly complex yet elegant metal sculptures bring joy and beauty to my audience, transcending the difficulties of the artistic process and embracing the harmony of creation.
Artist Bio
Timothy Gordon Johnson (Tim, he/him) is a Canadian metal artist and certified energy manager, based in the south end of Ottawa (Greely), Ontario. With an evocative style, Tim's gravity-defying creations embody the essence of nature and human connection, blending elegance, strength and balance.
Raised in a family immersed in music and dance, Tim's passion for machines, mechanics and working with his hands was ignited at a young age by his grandfather Gordon. This early fascination has evolved into an art practice, Gordon Johnson Art, which pays tribute to his grandfather's legacy.
In 2002, Tim began experimenting with metalworking, initially crafting simple pieces for his motorcycle hobby and doing odd jobs for friends out his 10'x10' garage space. Over time, he honed his skills inspired by graphic and industrial design, sculpture and architecture, which has culminated in the establishment of his dedicated art studio, a modern-day Bauhaus, which was under construction from 2019-2022.
Today, Tim primarily works with mild steel, weathering steel, aluminum and brass, sometimes incorporating elements of contrasting stained glass and exotic woods for mixed-media compositions. His artistic process is deeply physical, using freehand grinding, roll forming, scrolling, heat treatments along with both MIG and TIG welding processes. Tim's exploration of natural patina and oxidation adds rich texture and character to his pieces, while powder coating finishes ensure their longevity in the extreme temperatures experienced in the Canadian climate.
Embarking on his public artistic journey, Tim seeks to further investigate kinetic and interactive sculpture, creating thought-provoking works that bridge emotional connections with his audience, sparking meaningful conversation and change.