John Sabourin

John Sabourin was born in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. John became interested in painting in 1989 and carving in 1995, but it was not until his graduation from the Victoria College of Art, Victoria, British Columbia in 1999 that he decided to devote himself full-time to art. John’s carvings explore the complex relationship between humans and nature. He embraces his Dene cultural roots by interpreting motifs from stories and legends in stone.

John's artwork can be found in prominent corporate and private collections around the world, and has completed several commission murals in the North. John has travelled the world extensively with both solo and group exhibitions. In 2015, he was invited to Circum-Art show in Reykjavik, Iceland, and in June 2015, John had a solo show "Calling me Home" at the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. John has been honoured by many awards over the years. In June 2014, John was one of ten carvers selected to participate in an international Master Carvers at the Kwalin Dun Cultural Centre In Whitehorse, Yukon.

When he carves, John feels his focus and energy going into the piece. He thoroughly enjoys making a sculpture, for this reason. But when he's finished, he feels the piece no longer belongs to him. What other people see in the carving and how they connect with it and beyond, is their story to tell. John feels privileged to be able to work at something he cares about so deeply, and enjoys sharing his art and knowledge with others in workshops.