James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry is of Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh) and European decent (Scottish, and German). James’ work stands on the foundation of his experience growing up as a member of the Squamish Nation and reflects his multifaceted identity.
In secondary school, James began his career as an artist by carving the doors of the BC Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame. He later attended Emily Carr University of Art and Design, obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 2014. The YVR Art Foundation honoured James with the Career Artist Scholarship in 2011 and resulted in “From Sea to Sky”, a 6’ high aluminum totem pole that emits LED lights through Coast Salish iconography cut by water jet. By combining the use of modern tools, materials and techniques, James integrates the traditional with the contemporary.
For the last decade, James has worked in different school districts, the City of Vancouver and non-profit agencies to produce community-based art projects reflecting Canadian heritage, culture, and ideologies. With a unique capacity for developing thematically significant work that connects all people to the ecology of place while building a greater understanding between cultures, his process brings people together, changes ideas, and leaves a legacy to remind the community that transformations can occur.
