Artist Biography
John Goodyear is a Canadian sculptor from Torbay, Newfoundland who creates one of a kind wood art pieces using a variety of practices including woodturning.
Prior to becoming a full time studio artist, John acquired a formal education in Graphic Arts as well as Business Administration and Marketing, and spent many years as a sign and graphic manufacturer and installer. At the age of 15, John's artistic talent for illustrating highly detailed drawings led to airbrushing and hand lettering signs and graphics which influenced his decision to pursue a career in this industry. During the early 90's John developed an interest in woodturning that later lead to sculpturing. In 2007, John decided to combine this newfound passion with his educational background to become a full-time sculptor.
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Artist Statement
What draws us into having an emotional connection to an object or the environment in which it exists? Is it the mystery of its visual appearance, its shape, proportion, color, or maybe it's the enigma of its textural characteristics? What forces of nature created this existence in the first place - is it the graceful tranquility of life itself or the result of some catastrophic event? Is its visual appearance the result of its youthful existence or the aggression of time? It is my fascination with visual existence that inspires my imagination.
When I envision a design for a sculptural piece I try to imagine its final visual existence. I will choose a wood species that will complement the design and topic of the piece, whether it's a rich and elegant feel that I am trying to achieve or a more natural or organic appearance. I employ multiple sculpturing and texturing practices such as the old world technique of hand carving and the contemporary use of rotary tools along with sandblasting and any other technique that will allow me to achieve the desired effect.
My work has evolved from simple utilitarian objects to the current sculptural forms. In earlier years my work was executed through the woodturning process only. Today woodturning is just one step, and consists of less than half of the process in many of my pieces. This evolution is a result of exploring and challenging my artistic and technical capabilities as I strive to capture the visual elements that inspire me in my contact with nature. The goal is to capture the enigma of visual existence.
John Goodyear
June 6, 2010
Upcoming Group Exhibitions
· 2010 - "Juried Annual Exhibit", Devon House, St. John's, Newfoundland, June 26 - August 15, 2010.
· 2010 - "Be Our Guest", AAW Gallery of Wood Art, St. Paul, Minnesota, June 1 - August 22, 2010.
Past Group Exhibitions
· 2010 - "The Teapot", AAW Gallery of Wood Art, St. Paul, Minnesota / AAW Symposium, Hartford, Connecticut.
· 2010 - "Never Think Small - Redux", Climate/Gallery, Long Island City, New York.
· 2010 - "Be Our Guest: A Progressive Invitational", Ohio Craft Museum, Columbus, Ohio.
· 2010 - "Made for Each Other", Devon House, St. John's, Newfoundland.
· 2009 - "The Spindle" an AAW Invitational, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
· 2009 - "Turning to the future" Grovewood Gallery, Ashville, North Carolina.
· 2009 - "Comfort and Joy", Devon House, St. John's, Newfoundland,
· 2009 - "Ontario Craft '09", OCC Gallery, Toronto, Ontario,
· 2009 - "Made of Wood Show", Dufferin County Museum and Archives, Rosemont, Ontario.
· 2009 - "Juried Annual Exhibit", Devon House, St. John's, Newfoundland.
· 2008 - "Comfort and Joy", Devon House, St. John's, Newfoundland.
Collections
· Government of Newfoundland Labrador
· Collection of Gloria and Sonny Kamm Teapot Foundation
· Private Collections in the United States and Canada
Awarded Commissions
· 2009 - NLAC (Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council)
Awards
· 2009 - Finalist, 2009 Niche Awards by Niche Magazine, Baltimore, Maryland
Broadcast Media
· 2009 - Interview with Angela Antle, Weekend Arts Magazine, St. John's, NL
· 2009 - Interview with Erin Sulley, Living Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL
Professional Memberships
· NESA (New England Sculptors Association)
· CWA (Collectors of Wood Art)
· AAW (American Association of Woodturners)
· VANL-CARFAC (Visual Artist of Newfoundland and Labrador)
· CCNL (Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador)
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