Maynard Johnny Jr.

Artist’s Biography

Coast Salish

Maynard Johnny Jr. was born April 4th, 1973 on the North East Vancouver Island, B.C. He is of Kwakwaka'wakw and Coast Salish Descent, inheriting a unique blend of culture and tradition and having lived in Canada and the United States, Maynard also is influenced by the native cultures in both countries. Maynard began drawing at the age of six, however it was not until he was seventeen that he began working seriously at native art.

Since that beginning with native art, Maynard has won a number of logo and art competitions. His blending of the Salish and Kwakwaka'wakw art forms has resulted in a unique and contemporary vision of many of the traditional legends. Maynard tries to incorporate those legends with each piece that he does and in the telling of the story, he continues a long tradition that enhances his artwork and authenticates his interpretation of the designs.

With the unique blend of colour, design ideas, cultures and stories that make up each of the pieces Maynard creates, he is certain to become one of the new young native artists avidly being sought after today.

 "I have had the privilege of learning stories from my elders, stories that have been with my people for thousands of years. My way of sharing these stories is through my art."

Maynard Johnny Jr., Salish, Kwagiulth