Name: Ron Johnson
Statement: There is an archaeology to seeing, particularly when one experiences the topography of our western states. It is slow, there are layers, and it requires a space to dig. Within this space, a synchronicity occurs: the vast expanses and deep accompanying silence of this environment heighten all of the senses. This sensory enhancement that, ironically, springs from immense openness and extreme quiet, and that requires patience to experience, has become the experiential and conceptual center for my studio practice in recent years. For eight out of the past nine summers, I have driven from my home in Richmond, Virginia, to the western plains states or Rocky Mountain region. The specific destination is never predetermined; the goal is simply to drive where the sky opens up and the views are vast. This part of the western landscape, called the "Big Sky" or "High Plains," is immense and open. Experiencing it has caused me to look more deeply and intently at subtle changes and shifts in everything I see. Its profound serenity has prompted keen responses within my senses. During the past two trips, I started thinking about and working with the idea of a puzzle Ð a practice I have coined "puzzlization." Puzzlization is how things are put or fall together Ð a unified conjoining -- within one's field of vision, regardless of one's station point, eye level, or perspective. I am fascinated by the idea of placement and objects "fitting together" perfectly. Slowly scanning the landscape, everything fits perfectly together: the sky always flawlessly "fits" into or at the horizon as if it were the correct puzzle piece. When I move, even within the fluctuation of the moment, the "piece" still fits, though shapes may slightly change or morph. "Puzzlization" is a kind of playful idealism in vision, one that is or seems impeccable and stable, yet is also fragile, on edge. There is a kind of paradox here, and it alludes to a second meaning for the term, puzzle: a conundrum or enigma.
The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority today owns the largest contemporary collection of local art in central Ohio. All of the pieces are on display in the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Hilton Columbus Downtown and the three Convention Center parking garages. The collection is the result of a communitywide call for art, overseen by a committee of community members and implemented by collection curators James and Michael Reese of Reese Brothers Productions. The artists represent the diversity of the Columbus community, cutting across age, gender and race.
Made: 2016
Installed: 2016
South Building - near Franklin A
400 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Franklin County
Venue Website
Acrylic on panel
Please note: The Greater Columbus Arts Council (Arts Council) does not own or manage any public art. For the purposes of this database many pieces were entered by the Arts Council while we continue to search for the appropriate owner/manager of the work and other information to complete the entry. The Arts Council has tried to gather all available information about the works in this database, however, we acknowledge there may be missing or inaccurate information. If you can help us correct any inaccuracies, or provide more complete information, we would be grateful. Please use “Something missing? Please send us a note” above.
Taking images of public art works and sharing your experiences is one of the most fun reasons to engage with public art. As a community, we care deeply about the artists who have contributed the artworks we enjoy every day. Please be sure to credit artists when you share your photos. If you have an interest in using public artwork present in this database for commercial purposes, please contact Jami Goldstein at the Greater Columbus Arts Council. Taking your own images of public artwork does not release you from the responsibility of artist credit and/or compensation.
This site is produced and managed by the Greater Columbus Arts Council and supported by the Ohio Arts Council and public art collections across the state. Contributors to the databases to date include collections held by the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, City of Columbus, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Dublin Arts Council, City of Upper Arlington Cultural Arts Department, City of Kettering, Downtown Mansfield Inc., Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Licking County Foundation, Ohio Arts Council’s Percent for Art program, Short North Arts District and the City of Sandusky. The database was funded in part by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council. Research and development support is provided by Designing Local, OSA Technology Partners and Columbus artist Stephanie Rond. The Columbus Makes Art campaign is a citywide, collaborative marketing effort designed to highlight the incredible talent of central Ohio artists. The Greater Columbus Arts Council is supported by the City of Columbus and the Ohio Arts Council.
To support and advance the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. www.gcac.org
ArtsinOhio.com is your one-stop resource for arts, festivals and cultural events throughout the Buckeye State. And, even better, it’s free!
