After returning home from Vietnam, I began taking art courses from the local Junior College. Forty years later it has become a business and a way of life.
Having a Cherokee father and a English/Irish mother and not being raised on a reservation, art is my way of understanding, keeping alive and honoring my Native Ancestors.
Painting in a realistic style for over 30 years, in 2003 I needed to try something new. I began experimenting with color and texture to create a more contemporary look and feel to my work.
Now much of my work is more innovative and experimental in nature. Color is the primary means in which the change has occurred. Color is said to be a barometer of emotion and the strong use of color is reflective of a passionate approach to painting. Besides it just looks cool!
Born 1948 in Richmond, California. Registered tribal member of the Western Band of Oklahoma Cherokee.
BA in art, California State University Hayward, 1975 (CSUEB)
John has achieved national acclaim and recognition for his work.
