Biography

John Beder is a contemporary Canadian realist painter working in the still-life tradition. His illuminated compositions of everyday objects call to mind the fifteenth century Spanish and Flemish artists.

Beder's paintings are inspired by the way natural light reveals the shape, colour and texture of each subject. Described as a "romance with reality," his work is as much about the role imagination plays in perception as it is about the careful scrutiny and depiction of "reality." As natural light changes from one moment to the next, Beder attempts to express a timeless quality, not actually perceived in a particular subject, but conceived and constructed in the painting process.

In addition to exhibiting his still-life paintings at the West End Gallery,  Beder has also become well-known for illustrating award winning children's books as well as greeting cards and digital design for wireless applications.

He created "Feeling Faces Cards" in 2004, an effective resource for counselors and educators.

Education

University of Victoria, BC, BFA
Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, ON, AOCA
Humber College, Toronto, ON,  Diploma, Graphic Design

Awards

Nomination 2005: British Columbia Chocolate Lily Book Award , Best Picture Book - Click!

Nomination 2003: Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award, Canadian Library Association

outstanding illustration - Grizzley Pete and the Ghosts