Meticulous Art From Silverpoint to Ballpoint

Butt Johnson, is a Brooklyn based artist at the forefront of artwork executed in ballpoint pen. His elaborate drawings recall the painstaking work of Baroque and Renaissance artists who worked in metal point. Johnson is inspired by the iconography and visual leitmotifs of the past which serve as a juxtaposition of pop culture overlaying these traditional forms. Essentially, Johnson has re-worked European engraving and etching traditions within a modern American cultural context.

Butt Johnson, Mario Patron Saint of Brooklyn

For example the juxtaposition of Islamic or Persian ornamentation and car bombed vehicles. Johnson’s work is executed by pen onto two- ply bristol board . Recently he has been drawing onto mylar which gives gives some of the same sensuous qualities as the etchings of the old masters. Each of Johnson’s drawings requires two to three months completion time.

Albrecht Durer, Adam and Eve

Johnson’s ”meticulous drawings” show an exceptional draughtsmanship and an acute sensitivity in order to slowly build up the tonal differences in his work. Even great artists such as Michelangelo were considered only average as meticulous silverpoint artists since his his mastery of paint onto canvas was considered to be too heavy handed a technique to be transfered effectively to this intricate medium.

Johnson’s best work is characterized by the luminous transitions, eccentric shapes and abrupt changes in direction that the Masters were known for.

Butt Johnson, Bus Bomb

electromozzo says:

July 28, 2009 at 3:39 am

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Dave says:

July 28, 2009 at 6:24 am

Thanks. Please do and I,ll try to respond as best as possible.

SergeyNikolaev says:

July 30, 2009 at 4:23 am

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July 31, 2009 at 10:43 am

It doesn’t try to be cool, but glad the site resonates with you. Thanks for your post.
Dave

Zashkaser says:

August 5, 2009 at 2:30 pm

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August 5, 2009 at 5:11 pm

will try to maintain the quality of that series of posts.
Dave

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August 5, 2009 at 11:58 pm

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Sdanektir says:

August 6, 2009 at 9:26 am

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August 6, 2009 at 6:04 pm

Thanks for taking the time to read the posts!
Dave

Vivalkakira says:

August 7, 2009 at 4:21 am

Thanks for your blog! is very interesting…

August 7, 2009 at 6:19 am

Thanks for reading!
Dave

August 7, 2009 at 6:20 am

Thanks for the comment. We try to find new ideas and interpretations etc. to keep it interesting.
Dave

babull says:

August 18, 2009 at 4:48 am

Thanks

farerase says:

August 20, 2009 at 10:27 pm

Hey! Muchas gracias!

asss says:

August 21, 2009 at 10:49 pm

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coop says:

August 22, 2009 at 7:09 am

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optura says:

August 22, 2009 at 9:17 pm

It is the coolest site, keep so

August 23, 2009 at 12:11 pm

doing our best. Not crazy about being cool or hip, but appreciate the compliment.

August 23, 2009 at 12:13 pm

thanks for reading and will do the best to keep things fresh and topical
dave

August 23, 2009 at 12:14 pm

alot of people like what this artist does. It bears closer examination of sorts….