Bruce Johnson, Sculptor - Curatorial Statement

With a chainsaw and a chuckle, Bruce Johnson (1947–2023) created monumental sculptures from salvaged redwoods at his Timber Cove studio on the Sonoma Coast. Bruce’s creative energy was deeply rooted in his profound connection to nature and materials. He called his use of salvaged chunks of wood “small acts of preservation.” Bruce was more than a sculptor and craftsman: he was a vital force in the Sonoma County art scene with a career that spanned over fifty years.

This exhibition - the first museum survey after his death - explores Bruce’s artistic journey, from his early years as a figurative sculptor to his development of an abstract, monumental, and architectural style. It is the hope of the curator and Bruce’s family that visitors to the exhibition are rewarded with a deeper understanding of Bruce Johnson and his journey as a sculptor.

- Catherine Daley, Guest Curator