"Yartys" of Yartys.com was born and raised in Northern Alberta, Canada. (His younger sister, Sharon Johnston of Rimbey, Alberta, is herself a famous Alberta Artist.)

Yartys received most of his academic formal education at:

• Military College - Regina Saskatchewan & Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• University of Alberta (UofA) - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Banff School of Fine Arts - Banff, Alberta, Canada
• University of BC (UBC) - Vancouver, BC, Canada

Yartys

• Diploma Architecture
• Bachelor Degree - Major: Industrial & Technology Education Sec.
• Bachelor Degree - Major: Visual Arts ( painting & ceramics/sculpture)
• Graduate Banff School of Fine Arts - Visual Art Department
• Trade Qualified Ticket (TQT) - Bench Work & Joiner (Cabinetry) B.C.

Studies & Work

Instructor/Teacher 

• U of A, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• N.I.C. North Island College, B.C. ,Canada
• High Schools (various)
• Japan & Korea

"Yartys" :  Primary passions in life:                                                 

• Art/Architecture
• Animal rights (all animals)
• The Environment
•  Travel

Influences

Most of his art work has been influenced by his extensive travels around the world - you would likely find him in an Art Gallery, Museum, or Historic Site studying and absorbing the culture and history of that country.

Many of his works also reflect the concerns he has about significant moral, ethical and problematic/unresolved  issues of our times.

Memory Mirrors & Reliquary Chests by Yartys.com evolved directly from these extensive and intense visits to many Cathedrals, Churches, Museums, etc throughout Europe, Mexico, Central & South America.  The religious art and architecture have so inspired "Yartys" that most of his art work today reflects this iconic ambiance, mood and tactility.