The “Maize Project” abstractly represents a lodge pole-like structure. In the Native American culture, the lodge pole is a gathering place and the title and shape of the sculpture reference a section of an ear of maize corn. For Johnson, this alludes to his Native American heritage and also is a call to raise awareness to issues of global hunger, alternative fuel, and corn’s complicated relationship to our food supply. The piece is assembled from more than 300 individually cast polyester resin units — “kernels”, as he calls them. The kernels were made in Johnson’s studio with various artists, friends and community members in assistance. The communal project took several years to complete. Participants were invited to select resin colors, sequencing of pours, and encase small objects or messages into the kernels. Customization ranges from the light hearted (candy corn) to the profound (baby teeth of a lost child).