Bobby Thomas Johns Bearheart

Florida Folklife Program/Florida Department of State

 Photo by Tina Bucuvalas

Bobby Thomas Johns
1993 Florida Folk Heritage Award

Bobby Johns’ carvings reflect his integrated view of art and life. They often tell a story and are expressions of real-life events. His work is appreciated by collectors around the country. In 1989, Johns was awarded an Individual Artist Fellowship Award from the Division of Cultural Affairs. He served as a master artist in the in the Florida Folklife Apprenticeship Program in 1989-1990 and 2005-2006 and was awarded a Florida Folk Heritage Award in 1993. He has participated in numerous educational outreach programs; has been Guest Artist and Artist-in-Residence with Escambia County’s middle and high schools, and a volunteer at the Pensacola Historical Museum; and has been a participating artist at the Florida Folk Festival, Tallahassee Book Fair, Crossroads Folk Art Festival, and numerous other events.

        Darlin'

Watching a newsreel about a disaster some- where in the world, Bearheart was moved by the image of a woman standing helpless, pain and despair written on her face. A man stood with her. He gently cradled her face in his hand, helpless to bring comfort.

  Commemorative Plaque "Rebirth"

Rebirth, a time for opening the heart and mind to all things good as man emerges to find life and nourishment in the 'Green Corn Time.' The bone tooth and the tear emerging from the eye remembers the sadness for the removal of our ancestors from their homeland. It's as the sun emerges over the horizon, man also must come full circle. Master of Breath, Help us all.     Bearheart - January 1998
One of a series. All are in private collections.

Walking Staff

"The Basket Carrier"

Mask  'Altamaha'

Depicts a warrior realizing the fate of the Peoples. His eyes are closing in the big sleep. A flood of tears emits to a final emission. He has seen and knows the emotions of time. Corn reflects the final giving of this life that it helped sustain. The snake 'citto,' a brother creature on this earth shows the changing world of his life had unforeseen dangers.  Teeth are clinched in death approaching.    

Bobby Johns Bearheart -  October 1992

Private Collection

 Maude

Old beyond her years, Maude stood helpless in the dirt road, her life's blood hemorrhaging,  her 12th baby born far too soon. A young boy came trudging along, the only one to pass that way. Shocked by the sight, he sensed her desperation. Without a word, he ran to find the life-saving help she needed.

Many years later, as Bearheart studied the  piece of red-heart cedar he was beginning to carve, the horror of that scene came to mind.  Maude's desperation now forever honored.

Private Collection