Art, Community, and Storytelling: A Q&A with Jamin Zuroski
When Vancouver-based artist Jamin Zuroski was selected to create the official Vancouver FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City poster, he approached the opportunity through the lens that has guided much of his work: community, cultural connection, and storytelling.
A 'Namgis First Nations artist working across mural painting, carving, skateboards, canvas, and digital design, Jamin creates work that bridges tradition and contemporary culture. We caught up with him to talk about the Vancouver FIFA poster, the influence of skateboarding, and the importance of sharing stories through art.
I feel a duty and a calling to share my mother's culture respectfully with the world.
Your work often moves between public art, design, and objects like skateboard decks. What draws you to creating artwork that exists out in the world, rather than only inside galleries or studios?
As someone who really likes to connect with the outside world, I feel a strong urge to build meaningful community connections through art and design. It wasn't too long ago that Indigenous formline art wasn't allowed to be practised or celebrated openly in community. I feel a duty and a calling to share my mother's culture respectfully with the world through both solo works and collaborative projects.
You created the official Vancouver FIFA poster — a project that will be seen by people from all over the world. What was your starting point when thinking about how to represent Vancouver visually?
I really wanted to highlight the natural beauty of this place and honour the stewards of the land. I acknowledge the three local Coast Salish Nations and the partnerships, strength, and community they demonstrate every day.
I chose the orca as the central figure because, much like the soccer players who will visit Vancouver, it's a spectacle to witness them in motion. Watching them use their bodies with such power and grace is incredibly inspiring.
The magic of skate culture is that everyone is welcome.
We first discovered your work through your painted skateboard decks. Has skate culture influenced the way you approach art and creativity?
The magic of skate culture is that everyone is welcome. People of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds come together to share a ramp, a rail, or a bowl, encouraging one another with every turn of the wheels.
A lot of your larger collaborations — whether for FIFA, running medals, or public projects — seem rooted in community and shared experience. What interests you about making work for collective moments like these?
I find collaborative storytelling to be one of the most impactful and important creative opportunities. Everyone brings their own talents and inherited gifts, both as individuals and as part of a group.
Real beauty emerges when people find their natural role within a creative process. When that happens, the result is something everyone can feel proud of.
For young artists or creatives seeing your FIFA artwork in stores this summer, what advice would you give about developing a personal visual style or creative practice?
Stay true to your heart and mind in everything you create. Experiment with different mediums, explore freely, and make work for yourself first. Through that process of exploration and personal growth, your own voice will naturally emerge.
Inspired by Jamin's custom skateboard artworks? Whether you're painting a blank skateboard deck, designing a flag for a community event, or experimenting with art beyond the canvas, the right materials can help bring your ideas to life. Explore blank skateboard decks, POSCA paint markers, acrylic markers, and mixed media supplies at Opus and start creating your own one-of-a-kind piece.
About Jamin Zuroski
Jamin Zuroski is a ‘Namgis First Nations Artist, residing in Vancouver, BC. Jamin holds mixed ancestry from Ukrainian and Polish on his father’s side and ‘Namgis First Nation on his mother’s side. Jamin is one of three siblings from his mother, Cindy Cook and is a grandchild to Ruth and George Cook. The Gigalgam Cook family comes from Alert Bay, which is located on Cormorant Island. Alert Bay sits on the regional lands of the Kwakwaka’wakw, the Kwak’wala speaking peoples.
As Jamin navigated and practiced art throughout junior high and high school, he was honoured numerous art awards. During his teenage years, he was offered after hours opportunities to continue his practice and artistic learning under the mentorship and guidance of Victor Newman, Carey Newman and Rande Cook.
For over 25 years, Jamin has practiced and worked with a variety of artists, community members, organizations, businesses, schools, Friendship Centres and government on a variety of cultural projects and initiatives. Some of the current mediums he works with are cedar wood carving, cedar and glass sandblasting, mural painting, canvas painting, skateboards and computer graphics.
Follow Jamin Zuroski's work on Instagram @jaminzuroski and through his website: jaminzuroski.com