Artist Talk with Johnathan Onyschuk

In this artist talk, Johnathan Onyschuk will discuss the ideas and processes behind Old Growth, his installation exploring the recurring image of the human face emerging from plant life and wood. Drawing from a collection of anonymous folk art “spirit carvings,” Onyschuk combines found sculptures into intricate basswood reliefs where individual faces merge into dense, shifting forms. The talk will share insight into the relationship between historical carving traditions, collective memory, and the enduring human impulse to find ourselves reflected in the natural world.

Johnathan Onyschuk is a settler based on Treaty 7 territory. Holding an MFA from Western University, London, and a BFA from Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, Onyschuk is currently the Sculpture Facilitator at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. His work has been exhibited at spaces across Canada, including Support, London; The Lily, Calgary; Ed Video, Guelph; Lowlands Project Space, Edmonton; and ArtLab, London. Onyschuk’s sculptural practice draws from mass culture, history, and speculative futures, often focusing on the material and psychological impacts of resource extraction.

Image: Johnathan Onyschuk: Old Growth, Project Space, 2026. Photo by: Blaine Campbell

Artist photo: Cy Yang Smith

Respect and Inclusion

By registering for this Program you agree to co-create, in collaboration with Esker Staff, Artists and Volunteers, an atmosphere of mutual inclusion and respect for all persons. This includes speaking, acting and behaving in a way that is absent of violence, harassment, racism, intimidation, bullying or discrimination of any kind regardless of, and not limited to gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, age and ability. This includes in online/digital forums.

Media Consent

By participating in a program or event at Esker Foundation you consent to having Recordings taken (images, photographs, videos, audio recordings or other media) of yourself and/or your dependent(s) to be included in Esker Foundation’s Recordings Bank. This is a collection of Recordings intended to showcase the gallery’s activities, primarily for archival and reporting purposes. They may also be used for promotional purposes: on Esker Foundation’s website, social media or marketing materials. Esker Foundation will not use these Recordings for commercial purposes. Participants will be notified when Recordings are being taken, and may always opt out on the day of the program.

Should you require any support, or have any questions, please reach out to: programs - @ - eskerfoundation.com