Morris Johnny
Kwakwaka'wakw
(1984)
Morris Johnny was born in Victoria, British Columbia in March of 1984, but has moved around in Vancouver quite extensively, living in Port Hardy, Alert Bay, and Northern Vancouver Island at various times. He is of Kwakwaka’wakw and Cowichan descent, with his family crests including the Thunderbird, Killer Whale, and Grizzly Bear.
Johnny began carving in his early 20s after apprenticing with respected carvers such as Beau Dick, Marcus Alfred, and Aubrey Johnston. He also learned the art of carving from Stephen Bruce, with whom he carved a totem pole for the Umista Cultural Center in 2002. Collaboration is an important piece of Johnny’s work. He often works with Gilbert Dawson, his father Joe Johnny, and works as a detailer for Calvin Hunt. Johnny sees his art as a “bridge between the past and the future”, creating traditional masks, paddles, and plaques which represent the symbolism that is significant to his people. He has also been credited with creating the headboard accents in the standard guest rooms in the Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy, British Columbia.
