| "There is a time and place for being creative. All the time. Everywhere."
Born and raised on the south shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio, John's parents encouraged outward creativity at every turn and at an early age enrolled him in painting and drawing classes at the Willoughby School of Fine Arts. Later his mentor and high school art teacher instilled confidence and a strong desire for creative exploration of the fine arts earning him awards in multiple disciplines including painting, sculpting, ceramics and mixed media.
After high school John began a career in technical design and illustration allowing him to hone his drawing and representation skills. As computers became more influential, he transitioned to digital design leading to a successful digital marketing career including owning his own marketing and design company.
Today, John's works mostly in oil paints in his Mentor, Ohio studio. His unique and personal concepts come from a melding of his multi-discipline fine arts background, keen observational skills and a certain sense of understanding. His works explore the life and feelings created in the presence of strong light, shadow and emotion. Each painting has personal story about a place and moment in time that he believes is essential in accompanying every work.
"I don't consider myself a painter of things or people or places. My paintings are a collection of personal moments in time that have moved me in some profound way.
It does't matter to me if my chosen subject is natural, man made or imaginary. My never ending quest is to capture that split second where light, shadow and emotion breathes life into the moment and to express those images and feelings to you in my work. I'm not so naive to believe you will feel and have the same reaction I did in that moment. My hope is that it moves you in your own personal way. Then I know my quest was not in vain."
-John | 