Carolyn Johnson first started drawing with her father at the kitchen table. After seeing her promise, Carolyn’s parents enrolled her in private lessons where she learned to use pencil, and oil pastels. She continued her art education at DeAnza College and San Jose State University. She also received a full scholarship to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, where she studied fashion design.

Laguna Niguel artist Carolyn Johnson has always been inspired by nature and the way we as humans interact with it. Most influential for her were the landscapes and beaches of the southern California coast.

Carolyn Johnson is well-known across the country for her incredible surfboard art and is often out looking for old, worn-out boards to recycle or upcycle; saving them from being tossed out as trash. Carolyn’s unique approach merges her two passions (art and the environment) to create relevant and emotive 3D art.

"Who doesn’t love the ocean? Its vastness humbles us. Its beauty helps us find peace. Its strength helps us find our own. When I am out in nature my mind clears. It is here I get my best ideas, can solve problems, and find inspiration. I may be one small component but I feel significant. So nature is the subject of all of my art."

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

2021 Balboa Island Artwalk–Mayor’s Award “Best of Show”

2019 Balboa Island Artwalk-Kudos Magazine “Best of Show”

2019 Surfers Healing–Ritz-Carlton-Auction Benefit-Highest Bid

2019 LaJolla Art & Wine Festival-Featured Artist

2019 AIA ArtwalkSpecial Citation Award-Surfboard “Perfect Peace”

2018 Mission Federal Artwalk–Featured Recycled Surfboard “Awaken”

2018 Surfboard-Metallic, Acrylic, Ink Blend, Resin - proprietary technique

2018 FOA Designer Art Fashion Show “Theme” Winner

2017 Indian Wells Arts Festival-Featured Artist

2018 Mission Federal ArtWalk, Little Italy San Diego CA-Featured Artist