Page 19 - Harnett Life Summer 2018

Johnson, were Dunn natives. His father made a successful His artwork of main choice is woodworking. His fanciful,
career in the Navy. He is the second of 5, with 1 brother fairytale, old men with sparkling jeweled eyes, his eagles
and 3 sisters. His mother raised her children in a tradition- with patriotism in every line, the accents of beadwork and
al manner, God, country and family being of utmost im- feathers, all denote the many influences in his life. The teeth
portance. The family moved back home to Dunn in 1969 of some of his old men shine out as from some Russian folk-
at the end of his father’s military service. Feeling the call lore of a domovoi (Russian household guardian spirit), scar-
to the military as his father had, John left home at 17, ing bad influences away from beloved family members.
and joined the Navy, serving on sub tenders for nuclear
submarines for years. Along with his years growing up His Native American influenced carvings remind you that the
and travelling, he travelled extensively during his service. Trail of Tears was a real thing, the lines in the faces tracing
He was honorably discharged due to medical reasons, in the weeping of every betrayed footstep. Dragons with sharp
1976. After the military, he made a good profession as a teeth and eyes that sparkle in the light, look at you to see if
talented meat cutter for local steak houses. His daughters you are worthy of their regard. The sharpness of his carving
and grandchildren are the apples of his eye. tools give freedom to what he sees dwelling in the wood.
Choosing denser woods, like time and water worn cypress,
The varied influences on his life gave him a unique out- or the root ball of an elder crepe myrtle, the forms slowly,
look as to people. Even though he was born in the deep carefully, are released and when he is finished, one feels al-
south of the early 1950s, you will not find a shred of any- most relieved. You feel a trapped thing has been released and
thing except a love of diversity, whether it be art, people, its beauty free to shine. Antique N.C. tobacco sticks reveal
or music. He loves heavy metal and rap Christian music, faces and creatures, flora and fauna, of great creativity. He
often startling people when they realize the heavy bass carves walking sticks, sheleleighs of the New World. Faces
beat coming from the charcoal grey Mustang he drives, is of almost Totemic design peer around the curves of natural-
chosen by this unassuming, fellow with the well-trimmed ly straight pieces up to 5’ in length, with snakes and other
goatee and Navy hat. A gentleman of the old school, a creatures for company. Topped with leather and beads, paint,
lady never need bother to open a door or carry a package, varnish, Modge Podge (tm) and glue for accent. They make
if he is around. He treats all, male or female, as equals. one fantasize of walking through mountain meadows with
As an artist, the only place color doesn’t matter to him is this walking stick by your side as your only company.
when he is relating to a person. He is a true Renaissance
man. John also draws and paints beautifully. While carving is his
favorite way to express his need to create, he has garnered

Harnett Life ~ Summer 2018 Page 19