Born in New South Wales, but growing up in South Australia, John Santucci now paints from his home in Byron Bay. After training as a fitter and turner, John decided to try his hand at art and attended the North Adelaide School of Art. Following this, he spent many years working in the film industry as a scenic artist and artistic director, while also creating and exhibiting his own artwork. He is now a full time artist and parent.

Inspiration for John’s work comes from many areas – architecture, film and life experiences. His works are part whimsical invention, but are also subtly autobiographical in nature.

Botanical themes have subtly worked their way into John’s paintings over the last few years since his relocation to Byron Bay. “With the lush greenery and almost endless array and variety of exotic plants, it’s hard for this not to make an imprint on me creatively.”

John’s is perhaps best known for his paintings and collages of cityscapes and caravans, a staple of continuity that he has nurtured over many years. Much of his work views its subject – city, suburbia, industry and nature – from a floating, dreamlike perspective. A sense of playfulness and whimsy balances weightier themes of family, work and culture.