Artist Statement

Dr. Clifton Johnson has had an interesting career as a government psychologist utilizing art therapy in much of his work. He began as a ceramic collector, turned hobbyist, and later as an artist. His focus is one of a kind ceramic art developed for individual personalities, rather than production work. He has a unique ability to create artwork that is compatible with individual personalities. He believes in utilizing all aspects of the individual's personality to create one of a kind ceramic art.

His first major artworks were solid porcelain hand carved chess sets and took more than one year each to complete. The chess sets (seen here) have won local, regional, and national competitions placing first and best of show. He has also won numerous awards for his one of a kind Raku plates, pots and bowls.

Most recently, jurors awarded Cj first place in the 2006 regional Veteran's Art Competition for his Raku Pot titled "Running Red" (also seen here). Cj won first place in the 2001,2002,2003, and 2006,2007 Veterans Regional Competition in Ceramics and Fine Art. After moving to New Mexico in 2007 he won the first place in the Pottery competition at the Expo New Mexcio. He also won frist place in the Raku category. He also won third place in the sculpture competition. His chess sets and raku plates and pots were displayed in the 17th Annual Art Competition at the Not So Art/Art Gallery on North Westlake in Seattle. He continues to expand his basis of knowledge in ceramic art with firing and glaze experimentation. Each year, in addition to making wares for sales, he makes a major art work to contribute to the art world. This indicates his steadfast commitment to art.

Cj now creates his original, (as seen here-Japanese Calendar Pots), one of a kind sculptures, sets, and individual collectibles on a commission basis. He continues to have a number of bodies of work in progress at any given time. The most recent sculpted chess set (above photo) titled "Hawaii-Island of theTiki gods". He has participated in international competitions in Japan, and Korea. He has lived and worked for much of his life in Asia which influences his style and character. He works from his home studio in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Since his retirement from the government he has dedicated his life to the creation of art. He has been commissioned to create works of art from Washington to Florida, and the United States to Asia. His unique red glaze is in great demand and provides an esthetic quality unmatched in traditional copper reds.