“In the coming years, my aim is to paint more, continue to experiment, enjoy the doing of it, the giving of it and the love of it, without getting too caught up in the selling of it. Giving art is better than chocolate and the pleasure lasts longer!” John Canham
With no formal training in art, Johns method is always an adventure. The subject matter is varied, as he looks for the beauty, interest and artistic effect in all things. Genre is of great interest in all forms and light, colour, composition in abstract give inspiration.
John was born in London and while working there was lucky to be within walking distance of the Tate Gallery. He spent many a lunchtimes spellbound by the genius of Turner and others.
From a very young age he just loved to draw. Although his natural talent was quite obvious to the teachers around him, it was never encouraged and he was never given the opportunity to study art at school. Eventually it was hidden under life in general.
After immigrating to Australia in 1974, John worked in the construction industry and 20 years ago his desire to paint was awakened by a brother, Ray, a professional artist in Norfolk, England.
Following retirement in 2007, John and wife Frances moved from Melbourne to Ballarat, where he is a life member of the Ballarat Society of Artists Inc. and currently it’s President.
Although not a regular entrant in art exhibitions outside of the Society, John has won awards in Melbourne. In 2018, he had a solo exhibition at TooT Artspace in St Kilda.
johndavidcanham@outlook.com