ELIZABETH JOHNSTONE
BIO
Elizabeth Johnstone is an artist and activist living in the Kenien’Keha:ka Nation, (Montreal) by the Kaniatarowanenneh (St. Lawrence) River. She has a bachelors in Psychoeducation and is currently pursuing a double major in Ceramics and Art Education at Concordia University.She worked for 15 years as a high school counselor and was an advocate for mental health support and resources. After experiencing her own trauma and diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, she experienced directly how being in and around water and forest life could act as a healing balm for the soul.
ARTIST STATEMENT
As an artist, writer and educator, I am interested in the interconnectedness of our physical bodies with waterways, trees and plant life. How being in the presence of nature and engaging in art can change the chemistry in our beings. Switching us out of a fight or flight response. Softening and allowing emotions to be felt. In a time of extreme eco anxiety, I choose to remain hopeful as nature plays an integral role in our spiritual lives giving us an ability to flip our perspective away from ourselves, and human capitalist preoccupations, and center instead on interconnectedness and resilience.My mediums include ceramic, drawing, painting, photography, film and audio. I aim to incorporate sustainable practices in my art and personal life with a focus on taking care of and preserving what nourishes, sustains, and heals us.