"My work, as a designer and artist, seeks to showcase some of the earth materials that I love....in particular, the rare and unique stone of Australia. 

The different stones featured in my work are extremely special. These rare earth materials are quarried from vast and remote terrains and represent the finest examples of Australia's geological heritage and mineral wealth. Similarly to the native flora and fauna of this ancient continent, the stones resonate a distinctively Australian character. Moreover, we are reminded of Nature's bountiful treasures.

The immediate perception of beauty of the earth media is made even more compelling when the geological age is revealed. The reference of time provides a quantified value that promotes a strong sense of child-heart wonder... an awareness and respect for our planet. 

A sense of awe and reverence underpins my design sensibilities - that is, my personal aesthetic and spacial understanding are qualified by the search to find clean and simple forms/lines that respect the ancient materials and allow them to speak for themselves.

On the technical side of my design approach, I really enjoy trying to find innovative variations to traditional stoneworking techniques - such as lapidary, inlay, palladiana and stonemasonry. My work has also been informed by my travels in Asia and beyond...particularly by the art from countries such as Japan, India and Italy.

My favourite artists include Isamu Noguchi, Ysbrand Brouwers, Frank Gehry, Barbara Hepworth, Sidney Nolan, Antoni Gaudi and Henri Gaudier-Brzeska.

Robert Johnson

robert_jjohnson@yahoo.com

:: About the artist & works ::

Sydney designer and stone artist Robert Johnson's work features ancient and unique stone from across the continent of Australia.

A diverse range of indoor / outdoor furniture, functional objects and sculptures showcases such beautiful stones as Primordial Rock, Zebra Stone, Chrysoprase, Boulder Opal, Tiger Iron, Print Stone, Liesengang Weather Rock, Azurite, Jasper, Sandstone and Granite.

Johnson draws inspiration from the stone he uses and enthuses that “Australia is the oldest continent. It boasts a wealth of distinctive flora and fauna and has an abundance of gemstones and geological treasures which are ancient, unique and beautiful”.

:: The Stone / Earth Media ::

An absolute emphasis is placed on featuring the finest examples of unique Australian stone and rare earth materials. The primordial rock used in some of Johnson’s sculptures is over 1.2 billion years old. It is dated by the fossilised algae and plant material identifiable in the rock as white particles. Strikingly beautiful and resonating an ancient continent's geological character & treasure, this riverine siltstone formed during the geological dawn is unique to the Eastern Kimberley region of north Western Australia. Over fifty colour variations have been classified.

Another of the amazing rocks featured in several of Johnson's works is Zebra Stone (Siliceous Argillite, an indurated silt-stone). Existing deposits of this rock are extremely limited and may soon be lost entirely beneath the rising waters of Lake Argyle. Formed in the Precambrian Period 600 million years ago, this beautiful stone continues to fuel international geological debate because of its unique mineral separation, which creates the striped patterns that resemble a Zebra. Similarly to Primordial Rock, Zebra Stone is found nowhere else on earth.

Pioneering cattlemen settled in the Kimberley in the north of Western Australia 150 years ago. Many years later the waters of the Ord River were diverted to flood valleys and create Lake Argyle. The homesteads and much of the grazing land were lost, submerged under torrents of water. Also flooded at this time was the only known deposit of a peculiar gemstone, Zebra stone, the mystery rock of the Kimberley.

A smaller deposit of Zebra Stone was discovered at the edge of Lake Argyle, but with recent changes to the local diversion dam, the lake is due to rise even higher in the next wet season. The supply of this rare stone is now in danger of being lost completely beneath the rising waters.

Also featured in various of Johnson's works is Boulder Opal from south-western Queensland. Formed in the Tertiary Period 15 to 50 million years ago it is an ironstone featuring veins and fissures of opal. A very slow process of water reacting with silica forms the opal. This beautiful stone springs to life when illuminated.

A range of the highest quality Australian sandstones from across the continent are perennial favourites of Johnson and continue to be featured in his works. These stones are very durable, with fabulous colour and grain. Other unique Australian stones employed in Johnson's works are Liesengang Weather Rock, Chrysoprase, Print Stone, Tiger Iron, Azurite and Granite.

Fascinating too are the range of native Australian timbers showcased in some of Johnson's pieces. Australian Grass Tree ( Xanthorrrheoa australis) increases in height at a rate of twelve inches per one hundred years. Timber burls such as those from Black Butt (Eucalyptus pilularis), Rosewood (Dysoxylum fraseranum) and Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) are prized by Johnson for the inherent sylvan warmth of their surfaces.

:: Curriculum Vitae / Exhibitions ::

2008-2009: Works exhibited at www.artquid.com Paris based online gallery. Video introduction "Robert Johnson, Stone Works" uploaded onto www.youtube.com

2008: Works exhibited at “Borg Galleries”. Production commenced on major work, “Primordial Obelisk”. Initial sponsorship of Florence Biennale 2009 &/or next project by Emotum Australia.

2007: Returns to Sydney, Australia as permanent base and residence.Works placed on exhibition at Gallery 460 Sculpture Park, Gosford. March 2007, Internal Committee of Florence Biennale (Italy) extends invitation to Robert Johnson to exhibit his work at the Biennale Internazionale dell' Arte Contemporanea.

2004 - 2006: Research and design new range of stone works. Collaborates with designers, artists and artisans/craftspeople in the Philippine archipelago to produce a tropical hardwood (Molave, Narra, Philippine Mahogany) range of furniture.

2003: 'Stone Bridges' exhibition, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Manila. Jan.30-Mar.10. Ten of Johnson’s works were displayed from the 30th January 2003 through to 10th March 2003. Five functional works and five sculptures featuring unusual and innovative examples of stone inlay, carving and palladiana. Also on display were a dazzling array of Australian ancient rare earth materials. "Stone Bridges", Robert Johnson Exhibition officially opened by Australian Ambassador to the Phillipines, Hon. Ms. Ruth Pearce.

Editorial feature given to "Stone Bridges" CCP exhibition in national print media - "Manila Bulletin", "Philippine Daily Enquirer", "The Philippine Star", "People Asia Magazine", "Philippine Tatler" Magazine. ABS-CBN national TV coverage & interview w/ Robert Johnson. Ninety minute lecture by Johnson delivered to senior year University of Philippines (UP) students at CCP.

The "Wandjina Ukit" sculpture is on permanent display at the new Australia Centre (in the newly located Australian Embassy) in Manila.

2000 - 2002: Research, design, source materials and fabricate 10 works for 6 week major exhibition at Bulwagang Fernando Amorsolo Gallery, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Manila. Works feature Boulder Opal, Zebra Stone, Primordial Rock and Australian Sandstones.

Sponsors: A 28 page (plus cover) catalogue of exhibition produced and sponsored by Macdonald and Masterson, Moirs Paper, Campbell Murray Creating (film), and Allkotes. Australian embassy, Manila. "Traders Hotel", Manila.

1999: Works placed on exhibition at Gallery 460 Sculpture Park, Gosford. Catalogue for Customs House exhibition ´98 awarded silver medal at 16th National Print Awards.. Sponsorship for design and print of next project/exhibition catalogue confirmed ($10,000) by Macdonald and Masterson. Sponsorship confirmed by Italstone ($5000) towards cost of the next project/exhibition.

1996-98: Design, source materials and fabricate 13 works for 4 week major exhibition at Object Galleries, Custom House, Circular Quay. Works feature boulder opal, chrysoprase, zebra stone, primordial rock and helidon sandstone.

Sponsors: A 24-page (plus cover) catalogue of exhibition produced and sponsored by Macdonald and Masterson, Raleigh Paper, Graphus film and Nova graphics. Italstone, Australia ($5,000)

1995: Works exhibited at Gannon House Gallery, The Rocks.

1994: Works marketed through "Stone Age" Newtown.

1992: Travels to Marlborough, Queensland, to source chrysoprase.

1990: Travels to Quilpie, SW Queensland, to source boulder opal. Establishment of own studio. Design magazine editorial feature in "Interiors", "Australian Home Beautiful".

1990´s : Establishment of national sourcing networks. Increased awareness and acknowledgement of Australian stone. Explore stone-to-stone inlay and palladiana.. In addition to all stone constructions, designs feature wood, metal or glass in combination with and ultimately in celebration of, the stone component.

1989: Major Design magazine editorial feature in "Interior Design", "Corporate and Office Design", and "Good Weekend" (SMH).

1987: Visit Taj Mahal, study traditional stone inlay at Agra.

1986: Work marketed via retail outlets such as "Exclusivo Emporium", Leichhardt.

1980´s: Design focuses on stone. Robert Johnson's work and the work of a small group of closely associated and collaborating artisans is produced under the moniker of "Flexible Granite". The body of work, all stone construction, celebrates the substance of stone across a diverse range of indoor/outdoor furniture, functional objects and ornaments.

1970's: Design and construct internal and external gardens in Sydney, utilising a diverse range of materials - sandstone, bluestone, bushrock, slate, granite, marble and travertine. Travel extensively in Asia.