John Duncan
John has been making art for most of his life and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1999 from the University of British Columbia campus in Kelowna. He mostly makes abstract oil paintings but has recently been making portraits and figurative work. His work concerns the nature of reality as well as current social issues. John is doing a portrait of courage for the 2016-17 DTES Small Arts Grants Group Show.
Oil and cold wax on canvas
Received grants in 2017, 2018 and 2020
I have been making art for most of my life. I’m currently concentrating on oil painting. I am interested in entropy and the nature of existence and my paintings are an exploration of those ideas. Painting engages me with the surrounding world and leads me to further exploration. I very much enjoy the nature of paint itself and other materials. I continue to study colour and composition in all my work. It’s fun.
How has receiving a DTES Small Arts Grant supported your development as an artist?
The DTES art grant has been a great deal of help for me to continue my art practice. I am grateful to the Vancouver Foundation and the staff at the Carnegie Centre for their support.
How has DTES Small Arts Grants helped DTES artists?
The grant enables me and others to buy supplies and show our work.
How has DTES Small Arts Grants impacted the community?
I don’t know what kind of impact this program has on the community but I suspect it is good.
