Eagle Urn, 2020
latex paint, acrylic paint, wood (childhood dresser)
Lone Wolf, 2020
arches cold press paper, acrylic paint
John Velten
Based in Vancouver, BC
Born and raised in Coquitlam, John has been an illustrator from a young age. Possessing over 10 years of drawing and illustrative practice, three years of fine arts production and one year of event producing experience. John’s studied Business and Fine Arts production under the mentorship of Alano Edzerza and Design Foundations through the mentorship of Rick Adkins. He continues his practice carving and sculpting with Phil Gray. Throughout the year of 2019, John’s involvement with the community has been providing & facilitating meetups for artists, providing spaces for creatives to pull together in the genres of visual art, music, dance and storytelling. He currently is studying part-time at the Visual College of Art and Design in the 3D modelling and animation program. John works independently as a graphic artist, photographer and fine artist. Has been commissioned by the City of Vancouver for a large scale mural and utility box installation in 2019. Recently a recipient of the MOA’s shop emerging artists T shirts contest for his Hummingbird design. John's ancestry stems from the Northwest Territories Déne Nation.
“Our ancestors built foundational knowledge from which our roots stem. We honor this by moving forward with solid physical, emotion, mental and spiritual traits. Owning those traits comes a process of, accepting fear, finding clarity and pursuing purpose. Only then will we be able to move without friction and find our light. In today’s time, as a indigenous youth artist, my mission is to build a solid foundation to benefit the rise of indigenous people on the world stage. Our collectives voices matter and need to have a seat in rooms that dictate how our society operates. Identity within culture is an important outlet to own the sense of who we are. Be given a responsibility to uphold practices and be innovative with the knowledge bestowed upon us. ”