John Marston

John Marston has studied the work of his Stz’uminus (formerly known as Chemainus) elders to learn and understand the methods of interpreting Coast Salish oral histories and legends into visual art in ways that honor both the spoken word as well as the rich traditional art style of his people. John, born in 1978, grew up in a family of artists. His parents, Jane and David Marston, are experienced carvers who provided him with an early introduction to art and the skill of carving. He also credits time spent with respected elder Cowichan artist, Simon Charlie, as playing a significant role in his tutelage. In addition to the close mentoring by his parents, Simon Charlie and others, summers spent carving at the Provincial Museum in Victoria, British Columbia afforded John the opportunity to further this artistic and cultural education and better interpret his Cowichan culture through his art. John focuses on taking modern shapes and lifelike features, and adds traditional Coast Salish designs to them. He views each piece as a journey, beginning with the legends, stories and the history, and transforms them with artistic interpretation and special expression and purpose.