John Sabourin, a Dene from the Dehcho First Nation of Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada. John began painting acrylics in 1989, but became serious about pursuing a career as an artist in 1995 after completing a Fine Arts Course with Arctic College. He decided to continue formal studies of Art at the Victoria College of Art, Victoria, British Columbia, graduating in1999. John's paintings explore the complex relationship between humans and nature. As a carver he embraces his Dene culture bringing stone to life through stories and legends. John has sold paintings to private collectors in Canada and the United States. He has completed commissions and murals including a granite sculpture for the French Federation in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in 2005 and a painting for the City of Yellowknife Public Library in 2004. In 1999, along with two other artists, John completed a five foot marble sculpture that celebrated the cultural diversity of Canada's north. John has been interviewed by local and national news media including A.P.T.N. and Global TV and he has been featured on C.B.C. Artspots. In February 2007, John was honored to represent the N.W.T. in "Burning Cold" a juried art exhibition of ten Canadian artists at the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon. The show will be travelling to Nanaimo Art Gallery in January, 2008 and Oakville in August, 2008. After numerous group exhibitions in places such as Sydney, Australia (2002), Arizona (1998), and New Mexico (1995). John had a solo exhibition of his carvings at Nor-Art Gallery in Yellowknife, N.W.T. in February, 2006. In 2005, John received the People's Choice Award and in 2004 the Artists' Choice Award for his work at the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik, Northwest Territories where he had been exhibiting his paintings and carvings since 1993. From 2003 - 2007 he was pleased to participate in the Open Sky Festival in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. John feels privileged to be able to work at something he cares about so deeply, and enjoys sharing his art and knowledge with others. He has taught carving workshops to students at schools in Yellowknife, N.W.T. since 2003 and to adults at various art festivals.