The Calgary-based artist, who affectionately considers herself a Heinz 57, was nurtured within a family of Lebanese, Ukrainian, Scottish, and English origins, where artistry flowed through their veins. Drawing inspiration from her multicultural heritage, Johnson’s intuitive approach to abstract painting embodies the essence of family, community, and connection.

“Painting feels like my own personal language. I communicate by juxtaposing layers, lines, marks, and shapes. Drawing inspiration from my environment, I identify most strongly with flowers, food, and books because of the deep connection between family and community. Using paint, collage, crayons, and pencil, I explore interesting compositions that reflect those relationships and their diversity.” - Nadine

Nadine paints multiple layers, which she considers essential for cultivating visual interest and curiosity in her work. Each layer reinforces its inherent relationship to a memory or a story, forming a distinct thread that intricately weaves everything together. Through her process, she pays tribute to her influences with a sense of reverence, creating an unexpected amalgamation of materials that connects the viewer with the art and the artist.