John Crum

Born in Ohio, my art skills emerged at an early age drawing cartoons for friends’ enjoyment. My first participation in “real world” art came in third grade when an ink drawing of a tree won Best of Show in the citywide art competition at the Art Institute.  I received strong encouragement throughout my school years from my art teachers. My history teacher utilized my skills in allowing me to draw the maps on the board to represent the areas being studied. A caring aunt who was a ceramic artist encouraged me to consider art school and pursue the world of art as a career. She told stories of the beautiful landscapes and art influences found in this world. In high school I traded all of my study halls and labs into art classes and had the fortunate experience of meeting an incredible art teacher who further encouraged me to attend art school and follow a career in art. Working summers in the steel factories and meat processing plants enabled me to attend one of the most prestigious art schools in the country; Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida where I studied with an incredible faculty of talented artists. Earning sufficient money during the summer afforded me the pleasure of concentrating on my art training, while supporting myself throughout my art school years. Learning beside the incredibly talented art students from all over the world at Ringling made me realize that I had an incredible journey ahead of me. Upon graduation from Ringling I returned to Ohio and began a career in advertising, illustration, winning numerous local and regional advertising awards. After many successful years in advertising I was entered the world of publishing. A move to Cleveland as Art Director of one of the largest educational publishing companies in the country. Following a company relocation, I began to pursue my artistic talents in the world of magazine design. During this time the need to follow my own creative avenues emerged again and I began to produce paintings and murals at every opportunity In the winter of 2000, my doctor recommended a reduction in stress, an increase in relaxation and a move from the frigid winters of the north. My family and I recalled our peaceful vacations to the Lowcountry and moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I took a position with a local resort managing several gift shops on the remote island of Daufuskie. For the next several years I painted murals in all of the shops and began documenting the landscapes and historical landmarks on the remote island through my paintings. My paintings and prints sold exclusively to the island’s visitors and residents.  I left that position in 2006 to pursue my painting full time and soon began my journey into surrealism. My paintings are full of wit, humor and the passion to let yourself be free.