John Snow

Biography
John Snow is a unique figure in the history of Canadian art, particularly in the field of printmaking. Born in 1911 in Vancouver, BC, he had an interest in art and music from an early age. His serious involvement in art began, however, on his return to Canada after serving overseas in World War II. From 1947 - 49, he studied life drawing with Maxwell Bates, who was a major influence in his artistic development. Their close relationship continued until Bates' death in 1980.

John Snow's interest in lithography was sparked by a visit to Glen Alps at the University of Washington. In 1953, he salvaged two old lithographic presses, saving them from the scrap yard. Relying on his own ingenuity, the advice of a few individuals and the donation of a dozen litho stones, he was able to set up a lithographic studio in the basement of his home.

During the 1950's, lithography as a fine art media was at a standstill and John Snow's studio represented the only such facility, outside educational institutions in Western Canada. He has had an extremely active career as a printmaker, printing for artists as Maxwell Bates and Illingworth Kerr while building up an impressive body of his own lithographs. He has produced 450 lithographs, 13 woodcuts and 20 etchings. It is a further testament to his activity as an artist that he has had 50 one - man shows and been in 159 group exhibitions. John Snow also established a career as a banker with the Royal Bank of Canada which lasted from 1928 - 1971.

John Snow was awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence for his contribution to the arts in Alberta by the Province of Alberta in 1996.

 

e-mail the gallery about this artist at info@scottgallery.com

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