When you think of Minnesota, what are the first landmarks that come to mind?
The Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden? How about the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth’s Canal Park? The statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji?
If you were to ask Christy Johnson, founder of the Minnesota-based art shop United Goods, she would list off those four iconic Minnesota landmarks along with 145 more. Why? Because she creates amazing mini digital illustrations based off them. And it doesn’t stop with Minnesota. She’s made these types of illustrations for 40 states — and is planning to create them for all 50, hence the name of her shop.
The purpose of each illustration is to create an instant happy reminder of a special place or moment — like a souvenir in art. Her artistic style does exactly that. Her digital illustrations incorporate as much detail as possible using the fewest amount of lines, keeping the illustrations simple, clean and recognizable the moment they’re seen.
Most of her art comes in tiny giclée prints held in beautiful frames made by her father. But her art can also be found printed onto cups, candles, pillows and potholders.
Our Lumberjack box contained Minnesota state icon candles from United Goods, featuring Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
