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James Johnson (woodcarver)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Johnson
Born
StyleFormline art, Northwest Coast art
Websitejamesjohnsonnativeart.com

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

Early life and background

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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

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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]

References

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  1. ^ a b "About". James Johnson. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
  2. ^ a b c d e 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.
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