Born in Charleston, S.C., in 1955, Joseph “P-Nut” Johnsons began writing poetry as a young man. He was first known for the napkin poetry that he wrote on the spot in bars throughout downtown Charleston. From those early beginnings, he gained a dedicated fan base. His unique folk poetry is inspired by his surroundings, neighborhood and life in the Lowcountry. P-Nut’s first book of verse was published in 1996. His second was published in 2018 and collects some of his most beloved poems from the first book plus dozens of never-before-published poems he has written over the course of his forty-plus year career. In 2017, P-Nut began painting. Using canvas and found materials like cardboard, his paintings are already known – and loved – for their signature touches like a bright blue sky, colorful dresses, touches of gold, pink-leafed trees, sprouting “P-Nut” plants and dogs that speak phrases such as “Shit I lost my bone.” In 2018 he had a one-man show and poetry reading at the Charleston Public Library, A P-Nut Party. He has been featured in Garden & Gun, Afar Magazine, the Post & Courier and Charleston Magazine.   Click to view examples of past commissions below. To browse available inventory, click "View All Artworks" in the top right-hand corner of this page.