What better guide through the mists of creative expression than one who is himself an intrepid explorer? John has collected a vast trove of knowledge which he shares with alacrity, warmth and generosity. His coaching style encourages the creative wanderer along paths rich with historical context and contemporary relevance. Best of all perhaps, is his respectful way of laying out a number of informed choices while leaving ample space for individual pursuit.

Helen

It never mattered how absurd my ideas were, I was always offered a space to work through them. It helped me understand who I was and what I wanted to become.

Adrienne

Over 4 years out from my work under John’s guidance I still find myself relying on references, design processes & techniques, and the work ethic I picked up from long, fruitful hours in the studio. I feel like I can produce large volumes of high quality work consistently without the self sacrifice so commonly seen across creative fields, largely because of the grace and wisdom he lent me during my years in the studio.

Sloane

John has shaped my career as a fashion designer. His ‘soft structure’ approach to art and design education allowed me to experiment with a wide range of mediums. Combined with his structured feedback, I was able to discover my identity as an artist through his guidance

Derek

Working with John helped me discover my voice as an artist. I had always loved creating, but his guidance gave me the confidence and clarity to pursue my passion in a meaningful way. He provided the direction I needed and wholeheartedly supported my creativity—quirks and all. Years later, I still deeply value and fondly reflect on the lessons I learned from him.

Oli

John helped me to succeed at art in a way that worked best for me while I dealt with mental health struggles. He is patient and willing to work through a multitude of solutions with you until you find the best fit. He is one of the best teachers I have ever had.

Khloe

My pursuit of knowledge about art and the creative process has laid bare much of the mystery of myself and others, particularly in the context of psychotherapy. Art removes, or at least sheds light on, the ineffability of the words that we use to locate and convey meaning in our beliefs and behaviour. Art imagery transforms and connects inner experience with outer realities. Much of this exciting work has been informed by John’s teachings and artistic creations. These reflect the interplay of his nimble intellect, honest emotions and lived experience; all of these are both gentle and richly intense.

Jill

John mentored me for 3 years and in that time gave me the much-needed direction for my ideas to blossom. With his guidance and extensive knowledge of historical and contemporary art as well as religion and culture, I was able to make deeper connections in my art and experiment with various mediums.

Cleo

In the early days of painting classes with John, I returned from a lunch break to find that my acrylics, that I had been struggling with, had been replaced with John’s own ancient-looking oils and bristle brushes. That small, quiet, intuitive gesture, and many more to follow over the years, instilled in me a confidence I wasn’t able to see for myself. Thank you John, forever grateful.

Audrey