Elder Johnny Aitken (he/they) is a queer Two-Spirit artist of Coast Salish, Haida, and Scottish lineage. They describe themself as “mixed up” in a beautiful way, seeing this blend of ancestry as both a gift and, at times, a troublesome curse. It gives Johnny an entangled, curious, and deeply personal perspective, allowing them to imagine and create through the lens of interwoven cultures and histories.
Shaped by a complex and traumatic childhood, Johnny explores and heals through every piece of work they create. They approach their art with open vulnerability, balanced by what they call a “creative protective shield,” a safe place they build for themself in order to venture into difficult territory and emerge whole.
