Artist Statement

John Knell makes art to help others.

John is a photographer, collage artist, illustrator and writer who explores new frontiers, and unique perspectives, of visual communication through his art. He skillfully weaves those complimentary disciplines into unique works of complexity, creativity and thoughtful storytelling by harvesting his own creative inspirations, along with culturally significant American motifs, to build interesting visual discussions with his audience. 

When asked about his creative process John states that ~  "When I am doing my best work I am ultimately telling stories from the heart. I am challenging peoples perceptions about finding, and embracing, peace within the chaos. I am looking in new and unique ways at objects, places, the space around them and their connection to each other. I am also striving to find, and bring to light, the beauty that is in the lost and hidden corners of the margins." 

Kansas City regional expressions, digital collage, pop culture references, societal commentary and heartland landscapes are areas of focus.

Artist Story

Good vibes only. John's adventure began in the late sixties in the small town of Carthage Missouri where he grew up on a quiet street in a white house with two big trees in the front yard. A funeral director father, a stay at home mother, 2 sisters, a brother and a miniature dachshund named Hugo completed the family unit.

It was here that John discovered a love for the arts at a very early age. He spent countless hours during his youth at the drawing board in his bedroom. Armed with only pencils, pens, markers and paper...John allowed his imagination to soar from the drawing board as he created comic books full of fantastic worlds, heroic characters and evil villains. 

Consequently a deep passion for the act of creativity, and the art of story telling, was fostered in him during those years. It is a passion that has driven him throughout his life as he continues to this day to explore his imagination, and the world around him,  through his art and writing. 

After running his own free-lance graphic design shop for 15 years John's current focus is growing his art business and bringing beauty and happiness to his audience through his creative endeavors. It is John's hope that his art, and this creative journey, can both be of service to you.