John Sam

John was born in 1964 in Whitehorse to the Wolf Clan, of the Tutchone tribe, of the Dene Nation.  John always had an interest in art and started drawing at a young age, but it wasn’t until 1991 that he found his Culture and began to focus on carving and drawing in the Northwest style of art.

John studied under famous carver and jewelry maker Ron Sebastian where he learned line design, carving and drawing techniques as well as how to create his own carving tools.  Since then John has developed his own unique art style, specializing in mostly wood, acrylic paints, antler, ivory, stone and abalone inlays. He enjoys putting together different pieces including drums, boxes, totems, rattles, spoons, masks and bowls.

His drums specifically are all handmade from scratch.  Although he does often buy his hides he is able to and occasionally does still cure and treat his own leather.  John’s work portrays the natural world through a fine detailed line style and traditional dynamic forms; he enjoys creating art and sharing his culture with others.