Johnson, Sam
Sam Johnson, a member of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, was the son of the great master carver Chief Herbert Johnson. He was born around 1935 in Kingcome Inlet. But when he met Lena from Gilford Island and after they got married he moved to Gilford and remained there for over forty years. The "Greeting Totems" along the shoreline, as well as many compelling carvings in the "Big House" are his. Similar to other Northwest Coast artists, Sam Johnson did not often sign his artwork. However, it can be identified through his specific technique. Johnson used tools, such as a compass and straightedge, in order to make precise and symmetrical compositions which can be seen on his artwork.
Sam and Lena had three sons, Rick, a carver and goldsmith - born in 1959, Charlie, a carver - born in 1964 and Sandy, a part time painter and carver. The Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation are Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw peoples, affiliated with the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council.
