Bessie Johnson

Bessie Johnson

West Point, MS

Mixed Media

Sculpture

Guild member since 2016

Bessie’s baskets have been praised for their remarkable symmetry, beauty, and innovative style. Her achievements as a craftsman and designer of basketry has brought her increasing distinction and prominence. For many years, Bessie has woven a rich heritage with a contemporary artistic vision to create her own unique art form using pine needles, gourds, corn shucks, china berries, and black walnuts. Her use of china berries gained national attention when she was asked to design and make the ornaments for the 1994 Mississippi Christmas tree in the circle of trees surrounding the taller United States tree displayed at the White House. Bessie considers her basketry to be artistic like her forefathers, as much as family’s legacy as any genetic inheritance.