John has always been drawn to the exquisite beauty of nature. The only place he’s ever truly felt at home is when he’s immersed in a landscape. From an early age, his parents introduced him to the great outdoors—whether it was backcountry skiing in a backpack before he could walk, or floating Idaho’s renowned whitewater.

As he grew older, John’s passion for soccer and a collegiate athletic career temporarily pulled him away from the wilderness. But eventually, nature called him back—this time as a fishing and wilderness guide in Alaska’s Lake Clark National Park. There, he was surrounded by National Geographic-worthy scenery and unforgettable encounters with wildlife.

Art has always been a part of John’s life. From middle and high school electives to college, he pursued creative expression with quiet intensity—coming just a few classes shy of a double major in mathematics and art.

John describes his painting style as modern impressionism, blending a mathematical and geometric influence with classical impressionist qualities
such as defined brush strokes and emphasis on accurate light depiction. His work follows a four-color theorem, where no two adjacent areas share the identical color. Each square in his work is a painting within a painting—a nod to the fractal nature of the universe. He believes his art reflects humanity itself:
unique individuals placed side by side, forming a vivid, chaotic, and beautiful
image of a moment in time. His deep love for the natural world continues to
guide every brushstroke.

Through misfortune, missteps, fate—or perhaps simply life—John lost the use of his left hand. And with that, he lost access to many of the passions that once defined him. The very passions that made him who he was. The passions that earned him the name his loved ones still call him: Johnny B.

And yet, he moves through life with unshaken spirit, now tempered by a deep and humble gratitude—for the people who stood by him and for the second chance he’s been blessed with.

Because even now... he still has a paintbrush.