Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Cherokee Artist John Evans of Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska

John Evans is Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Cherokee. His Tlingit name is Guuch Ya-di (Young Wolf) and is of the Kaagwaantaan clan and the Tsimshian Killer Whale clan. He grew up in Ketchikan and graduated from Revilla high school there in 1992. 

He has been carving since he was 15 but became a full-time carver seven and a half years ago. Those who mentored John include David Boxley, Floyd Guthrie, Thomas George, and Thomas Barlow. His specialty is carving yellow cedar, but he also carves on red cedar, yew, and even oak wood. He mostly carves plaques but will carve most anything else he can.  

John has 26 years of experience as an artist. National Geographic purchased a halibut hook from him in 2012, and his artwork can be found in private homes around the world.