John Powell

John Powell is a visual artist and designer who lives on the K’ómoks First Nation reserve. John’s traditional name is Winidi and he is Mamalilikulla of the Kwak’wakw’wakw. In addition to his art practice, John is the elected Chairperson of the Kwakiutl District Council, which represents nine member First Nations on the northern part of Vancouver Island. He has worked in design for the last 25 years, with a media of textiles. As well, Powell works a lot in Theatre Costume design, making clothing on a commission basis. He has also worked with The Vancouver Opera Society. In addition, John has designed a number of Graphics for various First Nations and Non-First Nations organizations. He was the Design Coordinator for the Vancouver 2010 Welcome Portion of the Olympics.

“Motivation for my Art is driven by culture. My media is generally textiles. I was schooled in Traditional Kwak’wakw’wakw design, Costume Design, Fashion Design (by commission), Interior Design, and Graphic Design. I work a lot in Theatre Costume design. I make clothing on a commission basis. I have also worked with The Vancouver Opera Society. In addition, I have designed a number of Graphics for various First Nations and Non-First Nations organizations. I was Design Coordinator for the Vancouver 2010 Welcome Portion of the Olympics. I was fortunate to have grown up in my Kwak’wakw’wakw culture and gained much knowledge from our elders/old ones. I value this above all, and I work hard to provide opportunities for the larger non–aboriginal population to learn and and understand who we are Kwakwala-speaking people.” – John Powell

Comox Valley Art Gallery, 2018