{"title":"Morris Johnny","description":"\u003cp\u003eMorris Johnny is a Kwakwaka’wakw and Cowichan First Nations artist who has resided in Alert Bay and Port Hardy since 1998 and in Northern Vancouver Island since 1998. \u003c!-- split --\u003e Born in Victoria, BC, in March 1984, he began carving in his early 20s.\u003c\/p\u003e\u0026lt;\n\u003cp\u003eHis artistic focus is primarily on creating traditional Kwakwaka’wakw cedar sun masks, traditional masks, paddles, plaques and other creations which he designs to reflect the significance of these symbols in his people's stories. Morris views art as a \"bridge between the past and the future\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorris learned his traditional carving skills through apprenticeship and collaboration with notable artists. He apprenticed under Beau Dick, Marcus Alfred, and Aubrey Johnston. He also learned from Stephen Bruce and carved a large totem pole with him for the Umista Cultural Centre in 2002. Today, Morris continues to carve alongside fellow carvers Gilbert Dawson and his father, Joe Johnny. Morris also is the go to detailer for Calvin Hunt when working on his totem poles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorris credits his lineage for this tradition of carving that he actively carries on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis family crests and klan symbols include the Thunderbird, Killer Whale, and Grizzly Bear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorris is credited with creating the design for the beautiful red headboard accents found in the standard guest rooms of the Kwa'lilas Hotel in Port Hardy BC Canada.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"double-whale-panel","title":"Double Whale Panel","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Double Killer Whale or Orca Panel is hand-carved in red cedar by Morris Johnny from the Kwakwaka'wakw nation. It is signed on the back. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eOrca or Killer Whale\u003c\/strong\u003e symbolizes family, romance, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection. He is said to protect those who travel away from home, and to lead them back when the time comes. Orcas will often stay their whole life with the same pod and raise each calf with care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind more information about and examples of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/spiritsofthewestcoast.com\/collections\/the-orca-symbol-or-killer-whale\"\u003eThe Orca or Killer Whale\u003c\/a\u003e Northwest Coast First Nations symbol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe panel measures approximately 31 inches or 71 centimeters long, by 16 inches or 40 centimeters wide, by 2 inches or 5 centimeters deep. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Morris Johnny","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51385884868923,"sku":null,"price":1800.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0768\/2931\/files\/2OrcaPanel1.jpg?v=1782331007"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0768\/2931\/collections\/Orcagoldearrings1_d663c264-e7f1-4851-9aac-498548cbc929.jpg?v=1782330970","url":"https:\/\/spiritsofthewestcoast.com\/en-gb\/collections\/morris-johnny.oembed","provider":"Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}