Fairfield native Maria Miro Johnson explores the emotionally expressive potential of oil paint in her work, often using a palette knife in a gestural style that is primarily realistic yet punctuated by moments of abstraction. Her recent series, Family Farm, was created both en plein air and from photographs in her home studio in Middletown, Connecticut. Maria’s artistic practice extends beyond painting to include ceramics, fused glass, and mosaics. Her ceramics were crafted at Wesleyan Potters in Middletown, fused glass at RiverFire Glass in Deep River, and mosaics at Gallery53 in Meriden. She gratefully acknowledges the advice and support of fellow artist Bivenne Staiger throughout her creative journey.