Marston’s work recognized with provincial honour
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Updated: October 26, 2009 6:10 AM
At 30, local First Nations carver John Marston might seem a little young to be on the same stage as some of the province’s finest Aboriginal artist.
But the B.C. government certainly doesn’t think so.
On Oct. 16, Marston joined five other older B.C. artists as Premier Gordon Campbell presented each a British Columbia Creative Achievement Award for Aboriginal Art.
First announced in June, the award signifies “a commitment to their art practice, a significant body of work and recognition by his or her community and peers.”
Winners receive $2,500 cash prize as well.
During the past 15 years, the Chemainus band member has become one of B.C.’s important new First Nations’ artists. Weaned on the traditional practices, of the legendary Simon Charlie, Marston developed his own style to reflect Coast Salish legends and stories.
His work has taken him all far from home on occasion, to places like Papua New Guinea and Japan, and during the summer he was in a major exhibit in Vancouver.
The awards are presented annually by the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, a foundation established by the province to celebrate excellence in community service, arts and the humanities.
It’s the latest in a series of prestigious recent achievements by John and his older brother Luke.
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