Artists in Our Midst: Shaping Stories with Simon James
Simon Daniel James, also known as Winadzi, is an internationally renowned artist in many mediums. He trained at Vancouver Film School and is the co-creator of the animated “Raven Tales” series which airs on Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. James was asked to carve three totem poles for Fukushima, Japan in 2001.
Now living on Bowen Island with his family, Simon has created public art including the welcome pole at the community school. He co-owned a gallery, staged the Authentically Aboriginal exhibition and feast for the Bowen Island Arts Council, and much more. James is currently working on private commissions and a project for the Town of Gibsons, BC. Several of his family members, fellow artists and associates have assisted in these projects.
“I basically learned to dance before I could walk.”
In October 2019, the Town of Gibsons asked to include First Nation design elements in their School Road Housing project to provide a more welcoming building entrance. Kwakwaka’wakw nation artist Simon Daniel James was added to the project’s design team and the artwork was well underway at the time of this interview and has now been installed on site.
Read the full article about the project HERE
"Naomi James helped me assemble. Tomorrow brother Quinn James will assist me with framing the last sun panel. Soon I will start the sun mask and possibly writing and drawing at night"
