2005
MFA University of Florida
1985
BFA Kansas City Art institute
Lives and works in Florida USA

John Westmark’s works explore the metaphorical relationship between seemingly disparate ideas and materials. Industrial paper sewing patterns directly applied to the canvas represent metaphysical images and mythological narratives. From his FLIGHT PATTERNS to the recent MYTH+PATTERN series, the artist has been exploring the potential of materials within pictorial space outside of their usual functional context.

According to the artist, “the persistence of myth over time is indicative of our need to understand the ‘patterns’ of human lives.” Mythological narratives are built upon the multi-layered references to human nature. Just like the diagrams and codes on sewing patterns that directly indicate specific features and functions, individual characters in myths symbolise certain human attributes and values. A garment is realised only through the assembly of individual parts from sewing patterns; likewise, myths and history are a kind of panoramic fabric intricately woven with layers of different threads of human lives.

Westmark exhibited his works throughout the Florida region including Art Miami 2007. In 2006, he was invited to participate in the Peace Tower project by the Whitney Museum of American Art, NY. Recently his works have been chosen for the Florida Visual Artist Fellowship Exhibition at the Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland, organized through a partnership between the Florida Art Museum Directors Assoication and the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.