John Elijah Wells

Athlete, Designer, Educator/Teacher, Event planner, Explorer, Inventor, Photographer, Public servant, Student, World traveler

Skateboarding is the vehicle that has connected me to my community, providing the skills to express myself, as I sharpen my awareness on what is around me, and how to best influence advancements in cultural interaction. Moving to Cody, Wyoming has set the foundation for me to experience movement, rhythm, and collective memory. These three elements have melded me to the Greater Yellowstone landscape, and with each day, this wonderful place shares its remedy.

Dreaming; Architecture; Indigenous Culture; Exploring the wild places: Skateboarding, design. Performing; expanding my efforts to reach young people and be a potent influencer in the future.

The culture of skateboarding and the deep connection found in the wilderness, leads toward a functional understanding of self, and a means to express "the story." There are those whom are suffering; due to the lack of creative insights found in these vast and quiet space's. The therapy found in a natural landscape, where few go, exudes an attitude of ownership and control over one's self. People need empathy, and the wild is humbled to share the greatest antidote of all: compassion & space. It is my perspective that Skateboarders, although a "menace to society," have a strong desire to find release in nature. In a conceptual sense, skateboarding is an act of celebration, a dance; the motion tells a story of freedom and purpose. No matter how hard you fall- success follows when you get up and try. My idea is to use the art of skateboarding as a tool to reach people, promoting conversations of stewardship in nature- Endurance to thrive and fulfill the fruits of necessity.

Community & Public Art, Event organizing, Skateboarding, Snowboarding

TEDActive 2015 showed me the power of necessity; Willingly taking the hard way brought valuable experiences (self growth). This was my first time traveling out of the United States. Yes, Canada is not far, but all the same, going on this journey required taking risks. I got my passport to make my way to Whistler, BC - with no money and no solid way of getting to TEDActive, I waited till the last possible moment to jump. Something big switched in my mind... Knowing I had the power to get there, I stopped trying to rely on the present circumstances, thereby, creating my own path from scratch. With only 48hrs between me and TED, I became infectiously motivated to get out of my false comforts and step into the opportunity at hand. In 3hrs I raised $500 by asking friends and family for support; more than money I asked for prayers and positive intentions. Soon after, I purchased a bus ticket to Seattle, WA and departed at 1am (taking the last bus to get to TEDActive on time). I traveled for 17hrs, got to Seattle, and by grace my friend gave me his car to drive to Whistler for a week. On the first day of TEDActive, with a snowboard, sleeping bag, and djembe (drum), I arrived to the Canadian border in my friends car. I had made it this far, seeking every ounce of support I could find, it took a willingness to stop at nothing, and I made it to Canada with a little under $300. This became problematic, having little funds, I was told I would not be let into the country without insurance that I would be able to get myself out. A week in Whistler with only $300 is a sad excuse for a budget. After two long hours in customs, I got the okay to continue my journey to TEDActive. I arrived a few minutes late, got my name badge, and made my way into the event. During my travels, I knew my presence would be valued at TED, little did I know how expansive the following week would be on my world perspective. Needless to say, I learned about the relationship between desiring something, and not stopping until you get it. By necessity you must reach out and take that dream, and life will unfold in your benefit. Within moments after arriving to TEDActive, I found myself sitting amongst hundreds of brilliant minds, and with a quick gaze to my right - there stood Chris Anderson... I'm fortunate that this story emerged from difficulty and that's what made the journey memorable. Stoked to acquire my next TED story.

Drawing