julia johnson designs
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artist & designer working in synthetic paper

 
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What I Do

I am an independent Artist and Designer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. I create abstract, organic arrangements using synthetic paper materials.

I design fine artworks for

  • Professional spaces

  • Public areas

  • Private commissions

Completed works available for purchase via Saatchi Art

For custom project inquiries & commissions, contact me

About Me

I was born in Iowa to artist parents, and have been an aspiring artist since I could grip a pen. Illustration was my first love.

I fell in love with paper sculpture while studying package design in Philadelphia. To me, the heartbreak of that art form was the fortification needed to preserve it, or even hang it on a wall.

I was introduced to synthetic paper in 2011 and we’ve been inseparable ever since. I began experimenting with it as a sculptural medium in 2012 and haven’t looked back.

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The Material

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Synthetic paper, contrary to its name, is not paper at all. It is a waterproof, tree-free material. Its smooth non-absorbent surface makes it a fantastic watercolor medium for artists.

I use synthetic paper for its exceptional durability (it’s tear-proof!) and eco-friendly properties. Having fallen in love with paper sculpture, I developed techniques to bring its characteristic delicacy to a new hardwearing medium.

The result of my exploration is a wholly unique aesthetic. It is at once contemporary, strong, airy, smart, and elegant; modern in every sense of the word.

Exhibition

After a few years of experimentation and honing my techniques, I exhibited my synthetic paper sculptures for the first time publicly in 2016. My first show was in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. In the years since I have participated in nationally recognized fine art shows and in a handful of contemporary galleries’ collections.

For exhibition inquiries, contact me here.

 

2023

Art Palm Beach
Palm Beach, FL
Steidel Contemporary

 

2021

CONTEXT Art Miami
Miami, FL
Steidel Contemporary

Steidel Contemporary Gallery
Lake Worth, FL

 

2020

Steidel Contemporary Gallery
Lake Worth, FL

Art Palm Beach
Palm Beach, FL
Steidel Contemporary

Lucille Khornak Gallery
Bridgehampton, NY

SOFA Chicago
Steidel Contemporary

Contemporary Art Curator
New Horizons Exhibit

 

2019

Winter Equestrian Festival
Wellington, FL
KPW Productions


Art Palm Beach
Palm Beach, FL
Steidel Contemporary

Philadelphia Fine Art Fair
Philadelphia, PA
Steidel Contemporary

Lucille Khornak Gallery
Bridgehampton, NY

 

2018

Art Expo
New York, NY

Black Moth Gallery
Ardmore, PA     
Small Works Show

George Billis Art Gallery
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Invitational Show

Lucille Khornak Gallery
Bridgehampton, NY

 

Projects & Publications

Christiana Care Hospital artwork
Partnered with Madison Art Consulting firm to design and create two large-scale sculptures for the lobby of the new Christiana Care Women's Center in Newark, Delaware

Art Market Magazine cover
April 2018

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Contact


@juliajdesigns