Hey, I'm Joh!
I'm a visual artist and art teacher based in Belleville, ON. My sprawling creative practice incorporates a bit of everything: ceramics, printmaking, stained glass, drawing/painting, photography, sketchbooks, and so much more.
My art is always changing, and for the longest time this made me feel aimless and like I didn't have a "style". I continued creating and experimenting until eventually I realized that the ever-changing nature of my work is my style and more than that, it's actually the whole point. Artmaking has many roles in my life, from processing complex situations or emotions, to creating a specific atmosphere or vibe, filling a functional role, keeping my hands busy during messy brain days, documenting experiences and so much more. For me, making art is about moving my hands and witnessing the magical transformation that happens when I can manipulate raw materials into something new- and the way that the new creation is always imprinted with my own intangible signature, like handwriting or a heartbeat.
I was homeschooled from K-7 and hopped into public school for grade 8. We did a lot of incredible stuff when I was growing up, but traditional drawing, painting or other artmaking never really part of it. My "formal" art training began in grade 9 and. I took as many art classes as I could throughout high school. In grade 10, I peer tutored an art class and quickly realized that I loved teaching art almost as much as making it. After graduation, I headed down the road to Queen' University for my BFAH (2022) and B.Ed (2023) degrees.
I never chose a minor in undergrad, nor did I pick a studio specialty. I took courses in painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, art history, religious studies, politics, Indigenous studies, philosophy, English, film, and so much more. Later, in my Education degree, I chose the Intermediate/Senior track, earning qualifications to teach grade 7-12 Visual Art and English. During my time at school, I was just following my interests and seeing where the learning took me. It wasn't until much later that I realized this sprawl was part of a much bigger theme: I'm mesmerized about how making (and teaching) art creates this this powerful intersection where all different corners of knowledge, history, culture, lived experience, and community fuse together. As a teacher, I love how both English and Art can be portals to explore the different strands of life, and how even when studying the same materials, each student always comes up with their own unique "take" on it all.
In March 2026, I experienced a one-in-a-million health crisis that led to a life-threatening heart condition. Complications have hit over and over again, taking me away from work from April-at least December 2026. Having to set my teaching career aside has been heartbreaking and I eagerly await the day when I can go back to my teenagers. In the meantime, I've got a mandate to rest my body and protect my immune system, so I'm on a mission to make as much art as I can within the parameters of a safe recovery.
Just like my creative practice, this website is an ever-evolving matrix of creations and themes. My shop updates are sporadic, sometimes advertised (mostly on Instagram @joh.makess) and sometimes not. I'm most active on ig, but I try to post about big updates here on my site as well. If you feel compelled to reach out to connect over my work, I can be reached in my Instagram DM's or at joh.makess@gmail.com.
Regardless if you make a purchase, get in touch, or just browse- I'm really glad you're here!
Please note, I am NOT taking commissions of any sort at this time.
For now, I'm making what feels right and seeing where it goes!