James Johnson is an Award Winning Tlingit Artist and Carver, born and raised in Juneau, AK. He belongs to the Tlingit Ch’áak’ Dakl’aweidi Clan (Eagle Killerwhale). James’s great great grandfather was Chief Gusht’eiheen (“Spray off the Dorsal Fin”) of the Dakl’aweidi of the Xutsnoowú Kwáan (Angoon, Alaska). His great-grandfather was Chief Jimmy Johnson, and his grandfather was Chief Peter Johnson. Whom he is named after – James Peter Johnson. James’s strong ancestral history led him to pursue the Tlingit art form. His late father, Franklin Johnson, first encouraged him to begin carving. James has now dedicated his life to perpetuating the Tlingit art form, honoring his ancestors through his work.
James’ professional successes include being the first Tlingit and Northwest Coast Artist to have a full collection with Vans shoes, one of five indigenous artists chosen by Google to have art featured on Google Chrome browsers for National American History Month, works featured by the US Department of Interior, collaborations with Yeti and Lib-Tech snowboards, and winner of “Best Formline” for the 2022 Sealaska Celebration Art show.