John Adams

I am an assemblage artist living and working in Leigh on Sea, Essex, England.
I saw my first Joseph Cornell box at the Tate Gallery London as a boy and I guess the magic started there really. You know how it is when you see a piece of art and instantly identify with it. I didn't need explanations or analysis; the work just spoke to me and I soon started making my own boxes.
I collect objects fron every source imaginable - from boot sales to toyshops, beaches and deserted buildings.My influences range from the Theatre of the Absurd to Surrealism and the old B movie sci-fi films.Some of my boxes are surrealist in spirit whilst others capture atmospheres or tell stories.
My recent work has spilled out of the boxes into assemblages on plinths and a current theme focuses on a world after Armageddon when dinosaurs once again roam a ravaged planet.I call this body of work The Armageddon Show.
One of these pieces is subtitled Granma's House and is my largest piece in the series so far.It is loosely based on a very mysterious piece on Wall of Voodoo's Granma's House album.It is a strange doll's house which has been all but destroyed in an attack. The piece is viewed in a darkened room and each viewer is given a small torch with which th...

I studied at Christchurch College Canterbury, Kent where I did a Certificate in Educaton. After I started teaching I gained a qualification in photography which allowed me to later do a degree in documentary photography at North East london Poly. as it was then. I followed this up by doing a Diploma in Education Management and an M.SC. in Education Management focussing on the Management of Change.
I am now dedicated to the teaching of art and photography together with a deep interest in my own art which I love with a passion.