The Norman Rockwell of American Sculpture
J. Seward Johnson Jr., American realist

"Realism has the capacity to reach everyone; there is no age barrier, no culture barrier. As the breadth of communication expands, so does the potency of a particular work.” J. Seward Johnson Jr.

J. Seward Johnson Jr., born in 1930, is the grandson of the founder of Johnson & Johnson Co. After a career in painting, Johnson turned to sculpting in 1968. Thirty-eight years later, Johnson has designed and created more than 250 life-size bronze sculptures in countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Johnson’s sculptures can be found in private collections and museums such as the Rockefeller Center and the Liberty plaza in New York, the Les Halles in Paris, and Via Condotti in Rome. He also has works on display in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C. and London.

“I use my art to convince you of something that isn’t real. You laugh at yourself because you were taken in, and in that change of your perception, you become vulnerable to the piece and intimate with it in a certain way.”
- J. Seward Johnson, Jr.

The “Man-on-the-Street” series began in the 1980s and continues as Johnson creates new ways to express his subjects.

The City of Carmel purchased 5 life-size sculptures for Carmel’s Arts and Design District in Old Town. The sculptures, all part of the “Man-on-the-Street” series, include:

“There, Now You Can Grow” – A little girl, with a straw hat hanging from her neck and wearing overall, waters nearby flowers.

Located next to The World’s Smallest Children’s Art Gallery at 1st Avenue NW and Main Street

“First Ride” – A young, smiling girl takes off on a bike as her father watches and lets go for the first time.

Located at the intersection of Main Street and the Monon Trail.

“Confirming Predictions” – A gray-haired businessman, focused on his newspaper, sits comfortably on a bench.

Located along Main Street just East of the Monon Trail in front of the Arts and Design District Office at 111 W. Main Street, Suite 140.

“Sidewalk Concert” – A street musician closes his eyes as he plays a sweet song on his violin, leaving his case open for spare change.

Located in front of Carmel Music Center along Main Street just West of Range Line Road.

“Holding Out,” depicts a woman carrying a bag of groceries in one arm and two additional shopping bags in the other.

The sculpture is located on the sidewalk in front of Joe’s Butcher Shop and Fish Market, on the south side of Main Street between 1st Ave. SW and the Monon Trail.

“Public art is an important aspect to a city’s quality of life and these life-size sculptures are a wonderful addition to the city of Carmel and Carmel Arts and Design District.”
- Mayor James Brainard

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