Originally from Seattle, Gary John found his way to Venice Beach in 2003, where he embarked on his journey by selling his drawings on the Venice Boardwalk. Gary John's deep-rooted passion for street art traces back to 1985 when he first ventured into creating visually striking works that would go on to captivate audiences globally.
After almost ten years of selling his work on the boardwalk and experiencing “a bout with homelessness,” John first exploded onto the international art scene during Art Basel Miami in 2013. John’s playfully bold work quickly gained attention and he was named one of 20 standout artists at the 2014 New York Affordable Art Fair. His artworks continue to be exhibited at galleries and major international art fairs in the United States, Asia, and Europe. Notable collectors include Kelly Clarkson.
John cites Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat as his artistic inspirations. Other influences are comic books and American Pop Culture, which he infuses with emotional and impulsive gestures. His mixed media works blur the boundaries between Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism with Street Art elements.
John says about his art, “I grew up in a dysfunctional, alcohol-filled home. It actually pushed me away from drugs and alcohol. I have never drunk any liquor, smoked, or done any drugs. I always got lost in my art as an escape. Art is my passion. There is not enough time in the day to do all the painting I want to do. I’m consumed with it.”
