John is a Canadian born fine art photographer living in Waterdown Ontario.
John specializes in abstraction of the world around; seeing the underlying potential in
things, places and events. The world is before us, we have but to slow down embrace it
and learn to see what is before our eyes.
John holds certificates in Applied and Art Photography from Mohawk College. He has
studied visual design with Freeman Patterson, Andre Gallant and Tony Sweet.
John's work has been exhibited at various venues throughout Ontario including; Art
Gallery of Burlington, Dundas Valley School of Art, McMaster Innovation Park, Beaux
Arts Brampton (Contact Photography Festival), Mad & Noisy Gallery Creemore,
Oakville City Hall, Oakville's Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Center,
Fieldcote Park & Museum, Hamilton Public Library, Blue Mountain Foundation For The
Arts Collingwood, Neilson Park Creative Center-Toronto, Robert McLaughlin Gallery-
Oshawa.
He has been published in the Canadian Association for Photographic Art magazine
"Canadian Camera"
“Wintery Wood” by John Pingree
Artist Statement
Capturing the mood of a scene is paramount. When I am taking a photograph, I am
conscious that I am constructing images rather than taking snapshots. In this respect it is
like painting which takes a long time where you are very aware of what you are doing in
the process. Exposure in camera is only part of the final act of making the image. Using
the many tools available in the digital toolbox allows me to express what I see and feel
into the final photograph.
Beyond tools and technique, however, lies discovery. Photography is an art form of
observation, solitude, and patience. How an image is captured can be a fascinating
journey into the depths of personal realization.
Each image has its own story. I wander and observe the light, compositional elements,
and atmosphere, breaking each down into foundational elements. A solitary rock, cloud
movement, a lone mountain, a tree, fog or mist.
If someone looks upon my image and says, “ah-ha”, then they have seen something of
meaning to themselves. Whether or not it’s the same thing I saw is irrelevant, for I have
provided the vehicle for their transcendence.
“Inukshuk'“ by John Pingree