Artwork copyright d'Elaine Johnson. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Unseen Spirits, 2001

d'Elaine Johnson
American (born 1932)

Location: Lister Elementary School, Tacoma

About the Artwork

Unseen Spirits is part of artist d'Elaine Johnson's series of paintings that focus on the symbolic power of water. She notes, "My art form ties all life on this planet together in a universal context through the seas, where life began and today connects all as one." The detailed composition suggests fluidity and movement. The mask-forms and patterns reference the body painting motifs of Melanesian peoples of the Southwest Pacific Islands. This ritual of body painting is meant to protect fishermen from unseen spirits.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools.

About the Artist

Artist d'Elaine Johnson creates paintings that reflect her interest in the sea and nautical mythology. She developed her imagery based on scuba-diving expeditions.
Born in Puyallup, Western Washington, d'Elaine Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Central Washington University in Ellensburg and a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Washington in Seattle. She lives and paints in Edmonds, Northwestern Washington.