Johnathan Watts

Johnathan Watts is a Haida and Nisga'a artist and carver. His grandmother Nina Bell Strike and mother Ada Watts are of the Eagle clan from Old Masset, Haida Gwaii. His training began in his youth, surrounded by the abundance of his heritage. As a youth, he watched his father and brother Jason gathering cedar bark and making masks and paintings.

Johnathan began carving with his older brother Jason at the age of 10 and completed his first panel while living in Masset. He also watched his mother making traditional regalia, which inspired him to join the Nisga'a culture dance group in 1994 at the age of 8. By the age of 16, Johnathan had achieved the status of chief dancer, one of the highest and most respected positions in his Nisga'a and Haida dance groups. Johnathan's dancing continues to influence his artwork and shows in his masks and headdresses. 

Johnathan carves masks, rattles, paddles, headdresses, pendants, sculptures, models and monumental poles, and has also been exploring argillite carving and cedar bark weaving.