Artist statement
I’m a Devon farmer, born and raised here. I’ve been painting all my life, from the psychedelic sixties to today. My work is inspired by local flora and fauna, using acrylics or pencil. My early pieces are in the V & A London, and I’ve shown at Tate Liverpool and the Whitney, NY. I also design album covers, posters, and graphic novels using digital art.
Extended Bio
JOHN HURFORD Hon SWAc SGFA
John Hurford is a North Devon farmer who became a full-time artist in 2001. An honorary member of the South West Academy, Hurford’s distinctive work has captivated audiences since the 1960s, appearing in countless magazines and books. His early psychedelic art found a home in the renowned collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and his pieces have graced prestigious institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, The Whitney Museum in New York, and The Tate Gallery in Liverpool.
Growing up on the farm near Chulmleigh, where he still resides, John developed an early fascination with the natural world around him. His childhood was marked by collecting bones, skulls, seed pods, owl and buzzard pellets, and anything else he could find, always eager to explore what secrets they held. His curiosity led him to sketch everything he encountered—plants, animals, insects, and birds. Untrained he left school at sixteen to work on the farm, but he never stopped drawing and painting in his free time. Hurford began submitting his work to London-based magazines, and his art quickly found its way into print, eventually leading to a successful career as both an illustrator and author of several books.
Throughout the years, John's passion for his surroundings has remained steadfast. His love for the flora and fauna of his farm continues to inspire his art, which is nowadays rendered in acrylics on canvas, paper, or wood panels. He has exhibited widely, from local galleries to international exhibitions in New Zealand, France, and London. In addition to his paintings, Hurford has designed posters and album covers, adding his unique artistic touch to a variety of creative projects.
In 2019, John embarked on an extraordinary journey to Peninsular Malaysia, where he lived with the Batek, an indigenous tribe, alongside Dr. Ivan Tacey from the University of Exeter. This immersive experience continues to influence his work, and he is currently creating art inspired by his time with the Batek people, adding yet another layer of depth to his work
