James Johnson (woodcarver)

Last updated
James Johnson
Born
Style Formline art, Northwest Coast art
Website jamesjohnsonnativeart.com

James Johnson is a Tlingit artist from Juneau, Alaska who primarily practices traditional formline and carving. [1] [2]

Contents

Early life and background

Johnson was born into a family of Dakl’aweidi (Killerwhale Clan) of the Xutsnoowú Kwáan chiefs, notably Chief Gusht’eiheen (great-great-grandfather), Chief Jimmy Johnson (great-grandfather), and Chief Peter Johnson (grandfather). Johnson cites his ancestral history as having influenced his artistic career. [1] [2] His father, Franklin Johnson was the first to encourage him begin carving. [3]

Johnson is also a lifelong snowboarder, having grown up snowboarding every week at Eaglecrest Ski Area. [2] [4]

Career

Johnson describes himself as a self-taught artist. [2] In 2012, Johnson's work Tlingit Hawkman was selected by Nathan Jackson to be featured in the Celebration Juried Art Show. [2] [5] In 2019, he was awarded First Place in Wood Sculpture at the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market. [6] Johnson has since collaborated with brands such as Vans, Lib Technologies, and Google. [7] [8] [9]

His work has also been featured at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Sioux Indian Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Interior Museum. [10] [11]

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References

  1. 1 2 "About". James Johnson. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 libtech; Tech, Lib (2021-10-11). "James Johnson; a Double Dip In Master Artistry and Cultural Heritage". Lib Tech Blog. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  3. "James Johnson - Santa Fe Indian Market". 2021-03-31. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  4. "FNRad Snowboard Podcast - James Johnson". James Johnson. 23 November 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  5. Miller, Matt (June 29, 2012). "Native art reflects traditions, new media and techniques". KTOO. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  6. "Tlingit Artist James Johnson". Port Townsend School of Woodworking. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  7. Yelverton, Lex (28 November 2022). "Alaska Native Tlingit artist collaborates with big brands". www.alaskasnewssource.com. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  8. "Celebrate Native American artists in Chrome and ChromeOS". Google. 2022-11-03. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  9. nativemax (2022-08-30). "Tlingit Artist James Johnson Collab with Vans on a Collection". Native Max. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  10. "Visual Language - James Johnson - Viewing Room - Indian Arts and Crafts Board Online Exhibits Viewing Room". iacbmuseums-viewingroom.exhibit-e.art. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  11. "The Sioux Indian Museum to feature James Johnson in a Special Exhibition". www.doi.gov. 2022-01-31. Retrieved 2022-12-31.