JOHNATHAN HENDERSON
Johnanthan Maxwell Henderson is a
member of the Campbell River Band. He was born in Alert Bay, B.C. in 1969 to Sharon
Whonnock and Dan Henderson.
As a child Johnathan had the rare opportunity to watch his grandfather, Sam Henderson, carve totem poles. At the age of thirteen Johnathan began carving and designing himself.
In 1986 Johnathan moved to Campbell River where he studied and learned more about Kwaguilth art styles from his father as well as his uncles Mark and Bill Henderson.
Johnathan primarily works with red and yellow cedar. In addition to masks and model poles he also specializes in paintings and serigraph prints.
When Initiated as a Hamatsa dancer Johnathan's father gave him the name 'hak'hakya galis' which means "the man standing on the beach with his mouth open"
Johnathan is currently learning traditional songs under the tutelage of Chief Frank Nelson and by listening to recordings of the elders. He holds a certificate from the professional cook training program at Malispina College in Nanaimo. He is currently carving at the Royal Museum of British Columbia in Mungo Martin's big house at Thunderbird Park.
Johnathan has one son with his wife and resides in Victoria while continuing his carving.
