Eugene Johnson’s craftsmanship brings blocks of wood to life as birds, other objects

OU-C physical plant employee Eugene Johnson has earned a reputation as a first-rate wood-carver for his ability to take a block of wood and fashion it into a piece of art. His craftsmanship was on display at the recent Faculty and Staff Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Show on campus. Johnson’s favorite items to create are birds, and he estimates that he carves at least 40 birds a year. He says that the woods he prefers to use are cedar, cherry and walnut. “I carved my first bird in 1978 and have continued to do it as a hobby,” Johnson said. “I began working with wood as a construction worker, building bridges, schools and other structures back home (in Jamaica),” he said. Johnson, who was born in Jamaica, moved to the Chillicothe area in 1980, after meeting his future wife while she was on vacation in his island homeland. “This was the first time I have seen snow,” he remarked. Johnson returns to Jamaica annually to visit family. He has four grown children, two daughters and two sons. Both of the sons attended OU-C. Johnson joined the Chillicothe Campus full-time in 1986 and has become a fixture on campus. Wood-carving offers an opportunity to relax and as a means of expression for Johnson. “It is a great way to relax. I really like nature. Often, I will do some carving while fishing. I like taking a piece of wood and creating something from it. I used to create furniture in Jamaica.” Johnson prefers that his work has a natural look. “I use clear sealer for the finish. I do not like to stain the wood. I want to be able to see the grain of the wood,” Johnson explained. Johnson has won prizes for his craftsmanship at are festivals. His carvings include a range of objects, from the birds and other small wood objects to life-size statues of individuals. Johnson, who has been in the United States for 30 years, feels at home in Chillicothe. “It is a nice place to live and especially to raise children. The people are friendly and I feel comfortable here,” he noted.