Johnny JosephPopup SLIDESHOW [Flash, new window: 212 kb] |
Johnny Michael James Joseph was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia in May 13, 1957. Johnny is Kwakiutl and feels that he is not from one single place as he has family from many different areas. Johnny was given a hamatsa from James Wadhams. Johnny’s mother is Wata (1); whose parents were Mary Whonnok (Big Mum, Kwakiutl), and James Wadhams (Kwakiutl). Johnny’s father is Leonard Joseph who was from Village Island. Leonard’s parents were Harry Joseph (Village island), and Daisy Joseph (2). Johnny has four children James Micheal Thomas Joseph, Kristen Laurel Vanessa Joseph, Micheal James Joseph, and Johnny Micheal Joseph. Johnny has lived most of his life in Alert Bay. Johhny has been logging, fishing and has worked in a hatchery, as well as a couple of mills. Johnny mirror etches, and carves. Loyd Wadhams, Leonard Joseph, and Gordon Twance along with others were Johnny’s major influences. Leonard Joseph Jr. taught Johnny by doing the outline of a design for him and would get Johnny to fill in the inner design. Johnny says that the Hunt family influenced “me lots and sort of started me off;” noteworthy to Johnny are Alec Hunt, and Henry Hunt. When talking about his art Johnny said that, “I believe in what I believe and that is our culture.” 1 Wata’s English name is Christine Joseph, her maiden name is Wadhams. |