Robert A. Ferris (1936-1983) grew up in a large family in Chicago and graduated from Dunbar High School, where he studied welding and participated in theater. He served in the U.S. Army and attended Chicago Teachers College with the goal of becoming a history teacher. He was trained in wood carving by Alabi Ayinla, a Yoruba priest who was also a sculptor and puppeteer. Along with his work in sculpture, Ferris also wrote poetry. He was a member of the Chicago Black Arts group and had a great love for the South Side Community Art Center, where he participated in the Black Expressions ‘69 exhibition.