About John Carstens

I feel the world is not directly observed but rather inferred from the mind’s interpretation of sensory experiences. Perception versus “reality”. Viewpoint versus “truth”. 

John Carstens is a contemporary artist based in Keswick, Ontario. After relocating from Toronto in 2024, he embraced a quieter lifestyle to dedicate himself fully to his artistic practice.

His work begins with a photograph, drawing, or AI-generated image, regardless of subject matter. Using image editing and CAD software, along with his own algorithms, he transforms these sources into intricate geometric shapes. His chosen medium is pigmented acrylic ink, valued for its vibrant colors, transparency, and exceptional lightfastness. Mixed with acrylic gloss gel medium, his paintings achieve a layered, plexiglass-like finish. His technique, pochoir, uses vinyl instead of traditional paper stencils.

With a 40-year career spanning architecture, desktop publishing, and computer programming, Carstens’ work is deeply rooted in mathematics and design. He is passionate about the human ability to perceive patterns in randomness and explores the boundary between abstraction and figuration.

As an autodidact, he has always pursued what interests him most. His diverse life experiences have culminated in his current role as an artist, which he considers his ultimate calling. When asked about his unique technique and style, he simply states, “I applied everything I learned since I was born.”