Artist Statement

When I read the reflections of nature philosopher John Muir, I feel a deep relationship between my photographs and his descriptions of the natural world. Muir wrote, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” His prose immediately transports me to the mountains of my picturesque home state of West Virginia, where many of my landscape photos are born.

One of my most beloved subjects to photograph are the vivacious, unexplored waterfalls of Dolly Sods. Dolly Sods holds many spirited falls within its depths that few are aware of, and I bring these waterfalls to light, so that others may experience the spiritual contentment that I have. Another of my passions is exposing our stately mountains and rolling landscapes by harnessing the ominous beauty of lightning. Dolly Sods pines are outlined in dramatic, purple hues; Summersville Lake mirrors a strike from a summer storm.

John Muir believed that the beauty of nature is as imperative as bread. It’s a necessity that heals you and gives strength to your spirit, wrapping around and gripping your soul like a root to the ground. “One touch of nature makes all the world kin,” Muir declared. My photos’ purpose is to connect nature’s spiritual essence with the viewer’s soul.

Artist Biography

Anne’s photographs have been displayed in Wonderful West Virginia Magazine, Daytripper Magazine, the internationally-known Meteorite Magazine, and at the Summersville Convention and Visitors Bureau. She has held exhibitions and is currently showing her work at the award-winning bed and breakfast, Café Cimino, in Sutton, West Virginia. Café Cimino owner, Melody Urbanic, stated, “Anne Johnson’s photography is a breath of fresh West Virginia air; clean, crisp, straight-forward West Virginia.” In the spring of 2016, she will be the featured artist at the esteemed Vandal’s Kitchen in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Her work is also being juried by Tamarack, and she is a member of the Professional Photographers of West Virginia.

Awards and honorable mentions include first place in the 2015 West Virginia Lightning Photography competition. In 2014, out of 50,000 photographs entered, her Derecho lightning strike placed in the top 25 of The Weather Channel’s It’s Amazing Out There weather competition.

Webpage: www.annejohnsonimages.com

Email: write4wv@frontier.com