Nora Johnson received a BA in Fine Art from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA, and conducted her post-graduate studies at Les Beaux Arts in Paris and New York University in New York. An exquisitely accomplished and prolific painter and sculptress, her professional life has included more than 85 major commissions for the public, corporate, and private sectors spanning four continents. Among these are works for Bank of America, Sun Oil, E.I. DuPont, AT&T, The Peoria civic Center, and the Hyatt Regency.
Always a pioneer, her practice stretches into the realms of mural painting and decorative finishes as well. In her research and explorations of historic decoration, she has had the opportunity to explore and restore some of the superlative remaining examples of 19th century stencils and folk graining. Although one of her specialties is faux boix, she has also taught paint technology with an emphasis in lime washes and finishes, which are environmentally friendly and devoid of harmful chemicals and toxins.
Her interest in researching the utilization of green technology in conjunction with historic processes has allowed her to create some innovative techniques that integrate traditional methods of working with environmentally friendly materials, preserving the stunning and irreplaceable beauty of the old practices, while enabling them to be practically applied in keeping with the demands of modern times.
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Nora works all over the world with an extensive group of accomplished collaborators.
FEATURED COLLABORATORS INCLUDE:
MOIRA KELLEY
Moira Kelley hails from England, where she trained as an artist and conservator. She holds an honors degree in Art History and a Certificate in Conservation from Munich, Germany.
Ms. Kelly has worked in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and all over the Americas. Most recently, she was retained to do a feasibility study on the future restoration of a Philip Guston mural in Morelia, Mexico. Along with her experience in the decorative arts, she brings considerable understanding of materials and techniques to the team, as well as comprehensive knowledge of period styles and historic use of color.
TOBY NUTALL
Toby Nutall is one of New York's most prestigious decorative painters. For twenty years he has worked with a celebrated list of clientele, including GIANNI VERSACE, Union Square Cafe and other restaurants belonging to Danny Meyer, Time Warner Inc., and many high profile private clients. Toby studied at London's School of African and Asian Studies; traveled in India and Sri Lanka before concluding he would need a more practical skill than an ability to speak Urdu. He took a City and Guilds course in the traditional skill of wood graining, (he was one of only three students who elected to take the course), and has never looked back.
Toby's faux bois is surreal; making the real thing look positively wooden.
