Biography of R. Elsie John

Elsie John is a world renowned carver, and is one of the only female Native artists in Canada to have mastered the fine art of carving ivory. She also works in such media as mammoth and mastadon tusks, fossilized walrus tusks, bear and walrus teeth, moose, elk and cariboo antlers, mountain goat and buffalo horns and whale teeth and bones.

Elsie was born on April 6, 1961 in Esperanza, British Columbia. She was raised in Nuchatlahtz, a village on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. As a youngster in her early teens, Elsie received instruction and inspiration from her grandfather Jimmy John, an internationally renowned artist, well known for his carvings of totem poles, masks and silver jewellery. Mr John was a direct descendant of Chief Maquinna of the Nootka people, who first greeted Captain Cook at the entrance of Nootka sound, when the first white men from England came to the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Mr John (a hereditary chief through his bloodline) passed away in 1988 at the age of 114.

Elsie received the guidance, traditional and cultural expertise from her grandfather. The traditional and cultural art forms that Elsie integrated into her carvings, are not taught in any of the First Nations fine art programs in Canada. Many First Nations artists have learned from their families the stories and mythologies which they incorporate into the art. As they are passed from generation to generation, the legends are preserved through family crests, artifacts and hereditary legacies. These legacies are celebrated through potlatches and ceremonies.

Elsie recreates her materials into minature ivory totems, cups, knives, spoons, bracelets, pendants, earrings, necklaces and other jewellery. She does many larger scale sculptures as well. She also fashions the various hand tools, with which she creates her carvings. Some of Elsie's pieces are used as memorial or ceremonial symbols. Several examples of Elsie's work are in private collections, art galleries, institutions, or are on lifetime loan as showpieces.

Out of respect for the animals who provide Elsie with her materials, she recreates them into works of art that will immortalize them. This is what Elsie John does best - it helps her to see and feel closer to the animals which have played such an important role in her culture.

Selected Exhibitions, Commissions, Collections, Film and Video:

1983, September 18.
Special Commission:
Mayor William A. Lewarne of Burnaby selected Elsie John to produce a carved trophy base. Her efforts resulted in an outstanding sculpture, incorporating the Raven, Eagle, Whale and Salmon. This in turn was called the "Burnaby Cup", was officially presented to Professor Takayoshi Makino, who in turn, will take it to Kushiro for presentation to Mayor Wanibuchi in Japan - Burnaby's twin sister city. This cup will be presented annually to Kushiro's citizen of the year.

1983 - 1986
Exhibition/Juried competition:
For 1984 & 1985 Elsie received 3rd. place for the best booth for non-commercial Native Indian Art, this is an annual Trade Show for Native Indian Artists in British Columbia.
Sponsored by the Indian Arts & Crafts Society of B.C. Vancouver, British Columbia.

1985, November 1,2,3 & 8,9,10.
Exhibition:
"National Indian Arts & Crafts Show". Held at Edmonton and Calgary. Sponsored by the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Society.

1985, February 6.
Presentation:
At the Parliament Buildings, Ottawa, in the Prime Ministers office Elsie John presented one Nootka Whalers Hat and one small Nootka weaved basket to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Ottawa, Ontario.

1985, February 5.
Art Acquisition for permanent collection:
The National Indian Art Centre selected by jury for acquisition to the Departments permanent collection, one carved whale-bone vertebra; Title: Man & Raven Transformation, and one carved whale tooth; Title: Nootka Whaler & Killer-Whale. Ottawa-Hull, Ontario.

1985, June 27 - July 2.
National Juried Exhibition:
"Exhibition of Traditional Indian Arts '85". Organized by the Indian Art Centre, an official event of the Canada Canoe Festival. Elsie John's Walrus Tusk Totem, Titled: Eagle, Killer-Whale and Raven, received a special merit award for 1st. place in the ivory category and also 1st. place for entire exhibition. Canada at this time, had their foremost Native Indian Artist enter their work for exhibition and for permanent collection. Victoria Island - Ottawa Electric Building. Ottawa-Hull, Ontario.

1987, May - October.
Touring Exhibition:
From the permanent Collection - The National Indian Art Centre, Ottawa, Ontario. Three of Elsie's sculptures were chosen for this tour. The University of Lethbridge, Edmonton, Alberta was one place.

1987, October 15 - November 7.
Exhibition/Catalogue:
"Hands of Creation" An exhibition of Northwest Coast Native Art. Art representing the finest art of today in the styles of the seven mayor tribes of the Northwest Coast Native Indians. Rose Elsie John's Mountain Goat Horn Spoon - Title: Raven, Whale & Bear, was chosen for this occasion. Her statement for this spoon: 'It was a search for identity which led me to gravitate towards my Nootka ancestry, the need for some cultural roots, and those were the only ones I had". Inuit Gallery of Vancouver Ltd., Vancouver, B.C.

1988, June 10,11,12.
Exhibition/Juried Competition:
International all Native Indian Art, exhibition and competition held at Santa Monica, California. Elsie received all-around, Best of Show - Trophy. The Title: "Mystical Creatures", Moose Horn sculpture, inlayed with abalone shells and a yellow cedar base. Approximately 500 booths entered.

1988, February 6,7,8.
Exhibition:
"Contemporary Visions '88". Three of Elsie's sculptures were exhibited, the Buffalo Spoon; Walrus Tusk & Moose Horn; and the Mastodon sculpture. This juried exhibition featured 25 of Canada's foremost Native Indian artists. The purpose was to promote and raise the profile of Native Indian Art. Elsie John was the only Artist from British Columbia to represent her region.
Held at the Government Conference Centre, Ottawa. National Indian Arts & Crafts Corporation, Ottawa, Ontario.

1989, August 30, September 4th. & 30th.
Honoured Guest/Presentation:
Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation, which has 14 tribes over a one year period have officially selected to represent their people as Nuu-chah-nulth Role Models: Rose Elsie John and Helen Dick were chosen. Annual Assembly was held in Port Alberni,at the Nuu-chah-nulth conference.

1990, August 18 - 25
Honored Guest/Lecture/Exhibition:
2nd. Annual Nuu-Chah-Nulth Cultural Camp Festival.
On traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast Art, a meeting of Nuchatlahtz people assembled to produce a statement of direction through Strength and Cultural Identity. Sponsored by the Nuu-Chah-Nulth band and Chief Walter Michael. Nuchatlahtz, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

1990, May 22.
Documentary/Film:
Title: "OO-QUEE-YA" - Travelling in Calm Waters. Produced for the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Health Board.

1991, June 1 & 2.
Exhibition/Juried Show:
Richmond Carvers Society, 2nd. Annual Wood Carving Show.
In conjunction with the Steveston Salmon Festival. Entered one carved Beaver Bowl, in Gallery. Received 1st. place for Native Art and Best of show for its" category. Steveston Community Centre, Richmond, British Columbia.

1991, May 13.
Slide Presentation/Lecture/Demonstration
Wickaninnish Cultural Week. Wickaninnish Elementary School. On traditional and Contemporary Northwest Coast Art, recent Show and Exhibitions throughout Canada and the United States. Also as an honoured guest - Role Model. Tofino, British Columbia.

1991, March 25, 26, 27.
Exhibition/Gave Spiritual Healing Workshop:
Holistic healing workshops, exhibition of fine art. Focus: Individual, Family and community Strategies. Sponsored by Professional Native Women's Association - University of British Columbia. Vancouver, British Columbia.

1991, February 19.
Presentation/Lecture:
HA-HO-PAYUK Cultural week, NUU-CHAT-NULTH arts awareness. On traditional and Contemporary Northwest Coast Art. Port Alberni, British Columbia. (Recorded on video)

1991-1992, December - February.
Juried Competition for Permanent Collection:
Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. National Indian Art Acquisition, 2nd. Elsie John's Art work "MAN AND BEAR" and "SPIRITUAL CREATURES" was chosen by the Jury.

1992, April 15, 16, 17.
Exhibition:
45th. Annual Northwest Anthropology Conference.
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia.

1996 - 1999
Exhibition:
Native Fine Art from 10 artists, displayed at the Govenor General of Canada's residence.
Three of Elsie John's sculptures were displayed. Ottawa, Ontario.