SSU remembers Bruce Johnson with his art

SACHA WEDNER STAFF WRITER

OnMarch 23, renowned Timber Cove sculptor Bruce Johnson passed away at the age of 77. For over 50 years, Johnson worked and lived on a forested ridge in Timber Cove along the Sonoma County Coast overlooking the Pacif ic, and created multiple intricate and inspiring art pieces from wood and steel, including the two sculptures, Asia and Understanding Matter located outside the Green Music Center.

According to reports, Johnson’s death was the result of an accident in his home studio, and as of now, details of the report have not been released to the public by authorities. Friends and those speaking on behalf of his family have told the Press Democrat that a piece of one of his sculptures fell upon him when he was moving or working on it, suffering a head injury as a result.

The first of Johson’s sculptures on Sonoma State, Asia, which was in stalled in 2012, can be visited and viewed outside of the Green Music Center. The newest on-campus piece of his, titled Understanding Matter, can also be found outside the Green Music Center as well. Installed in February, this was created in dedication of Donald and Maureen Green, the founders of North Bay’s Telecom Valley, and helped provide the foundational grant for the Green Music Center itself.

“We are thrilled that they are part of Sonoma State’s art collection. They will be here on campus for all to enjoy.” says Green Music Center Executive Director Jacob Yarrow in regards to Asia and Understanding Matter. “They’ll forever remind me of Bruce’s creativity, care for the environment, and the love he put into the world.” see BRUCE JOHNSON on pg. 4